The authorities of the Nigerian Air Force, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the bandits terrorising Zamfara, Katsina and other States in the Northwest to vacate their hideouts now.
It also vowed more crackdown on terrorists disturbing Borno State’s peace and other places in the Northeast
Daily Trust reports that the Air Force’s fresh vow came less than a week it rained airstrikes on the marauding terrorists wrecking havoc in some villages in the Zamfara.
During the operation, no fewer than 20 terrorists were taken out during an operation carried out at Garin Mani, a village in the Maru Local Government Area on Saturday.
Speaking on Wednesday during the Second Quarter Route March in Abuja, the Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, maintained that the air troops would find the criminals and take them out.
Abubakar, an Air Marshal, stressed that the air troops attached with different theatres of operations would not fold its arm while they disturb Nigerians’ peace across the country.
“To the enemies of our nation, know this: there will be no hiding place for those who threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria. We are coming for you. We will find you and take you out,” he said.
The senior military officer reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s airspace and protecting lives and property across the country.
“We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country.
“Rest assured, that your protection is not just an obligation, it is our highest priority.”
The CAS also expressed the NAF’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces, particularly his investment in operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
“On behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of physical fitness tests in the NAF, saying it is in a bid to enhance operational readiness.
“Physical fitness is no longer a matter of choice, it is a non-negotiable requirement. As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied with a Physical Fitness Test Certificates.
“Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit,” the senior military officer said.
The CAS further disclosed that he has approved the construction of modern sporting facilities across several NAF Bases and the procurement of advanced gym equipment for over 22 units, which will soon be distributed and installed.
Abubakar drew parallels between the route march and the NAF’s broader mission, noting that the journey toward national security and lasting peace is marked by challenges and obstacles.
“Be that as it may, those who persevere, who stay the course with discipline, focus, and resilience, will ultimately arrive at the destination. And that destination, ladies and gentlemen, is the place of victory.
“Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We are not just marching on roads, we are marching towards purpose, honour, and victory,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the quarterly route march, conducted across all NAF units, is designed to build endurance, foster comradeship, and sustain the physical conditioning necessary for modern military operations.
It also serves as a show of force, reminding both adversaries and the public that the Nigerian Air Force remains vigilant, capable, and fully prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
