The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains at the forefront of safeguarding national and regional security.
He noted that sustained air operations have significantly weakened the capacity of violent non-state actors, disrupted their supply chains, and dismantled their operational networks across different parts of the country.
Air Marshal Abubakar made these remarks in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving the Junior Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Radka Konderlova, who was on an official visit to Nigeria.
Highlighting NAF’s recent operational successes, the Air Chief revealed that in the past months, airstrikes in the Northwest and Northeast led to the neutralisation of more than 800 terrorists and bandits.
In addition, he disclosed that 62 kidnap victims regained their freedom in Katsina State after a coordinated strike on the camp of a notorious bandit kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, located in Danmusa Local Government Area.
These operations, he stressed, underscore the effectiveness of air power in complementing ground forces in the fight against insurgency and other criminal elements.
He further emphasised that the Nigerian Air Force plays a decisive role beyond the borders of Nigeria, contributing actively to regional stability in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin.
According to him, NAF has continued to be a frontline actor in combating terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism, while also ensuring security within the maritime domain.
He pointed out that its engagements in safeguarding vital national infrastructure and countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea demonstrate Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to both African security and international peace.
On the diplomatic front, Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed NAF’s determination to deepen strategic defence relations with the Czech Republic.
He explained that stronger cooperation in defence and security would further consolidate Nigeria’s achievements in safeguarding its sovereignty and enhancing regional peace.
Responding, the Czech Deputy Defence Minister, Radka Konderlova, described Nigeria as a critical partner for her country in Africa.
She stressed that their partnership goes beyond military cooperation, as it also holds enormous promise for technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and human capital development.
Konderlova further pledged her country’s readiness to work closely with the Nigerian Air Force in advancing aerospace technologies, enhancing training programmes, and promoting innovations that will empower local industries.
According to her, this collaborative approach will not only strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture but also contribute meaningfully to national development and global stability.
“This partnership is designed to provide sustainable solutions that reinforce peace and development, both within Nigeria and across the international community,” she added.
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