The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is commemorating its 61st anniversary with renewed focus on national security, air power modernization, and enhanced regional collaboration in defence.
This milestone underscores the service’s evolution into a professional and formidable force, having undergone significant transformation in structure, manpower, and strategic operations over the past six decades.
Addressing the media in Abuja, the Chairman of the NAF@61 Organising Committee and Coordinator of the 4th African Air Forces Forum, Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, provided a comprehensive overview of the Service’s progress. He emphasized the Air Force’s proactive role in securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity through integrated air operations, precision strikes, and intelligence-driven missions.
These efforts have substantially weakened insurgent groups and disrupted criminal logistics networks across the country.
The Air Force’s approach to national defence has been notably strengthened by its embrace of advanced technologies and joint-force operations with other security agencies.
These initiatives have resulted in measurable operational successes and enhanced the Force’s capacity to support ground troops in high-risk areas.
This year’s anniversary theme, “Optimising Civil-Military Relations In A Joint Operational Environment For Enhanced Air Operations,” reflects the service’s recognition of the importance of civilian collaboration in national security. As part of this commitment, the NAF has rolled out a series of events designed to engage the public and foster mutual understanding.
Among these are the Chief of the Air Staff’s Literary Competition, which ran from February 10 to 22, and Open Day events and career talks held across NAF bases nationwide, giving civilians the opportunity to learn more about the Air Force’s roles and responsibilities.
In a significant humanitarian gesture, the NAF is set to inaugurate a medical clinic in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. This development follows the community’s experience during an airstrike incident in January 2023 and forms part of the Force’s broader civil engagement strategy aimed at rebuilding trust and delivering essential services to affected populations.
Another landmark moment in the anniversary activities will be the formal induction of the Augusta 109S Trekker helicopter into the Presidential Air Fleet. The event is scheduled to take place at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet Base and will be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The addition of the Augusta helicopter signifies a step forward in enhancing the operational flexibility and reach of the Presidential Fleet.
The anniversary celebrations will culminate in the 4th African Air Forces Forum, set to hold on May 22 and 23 in Lagos. With the theme “Strengthening Collaborations In Advanced Aerospace Technologies For Enhanced National And Regional Security,” the forum is poised to be a major continental gathering of defence stakeholders.
This high-level conference will convene over 2,000 participants, including 12 Chiefs of Air Staff and delegations from 30 Air Forces around the world. The forum will also host 45 industry exhibitors from leading global and domestic aerospace and defence firms, such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, Havelsan, Jet Aviation, Pro-force, and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The event presents an opportunity for multilateral discussions, cross-border cooperation, and exploration of emerging technologies to tackle shared security challenges.
The press briefing, attended by senior NAF officers and members of the media, reinforced the service’s vision for the future, which is a Force that remains committed to innovation, professional excellence, and regional security collaboration.
As it marks 61 years of dedicated service, the Nigerian Air Force continues to strengthen its legacy of operational efficiency and civic responsibility.
