CAS reaffirms NAF’s welfare, operational readiness at Kaduna Easter luncheon

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Sunday, commended personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices in the ongoing operations in the North-West.
Aneke, who was represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Shani Bukar, gave the commendation during an Easter luncheon with personnel of the Air Component, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 1, in Kaduna.
He said the occasion underscored the core values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and devotion, which define the military profession and are reflected in the daily service of personnel.
The CAS praised the troops for remaining resolute and professional despite being away from their families during the festive period, noting that their efforts continued to contribute significantly to national peace, unity, and stability.
He described the prevailing security challenges as complex and reflective of broader global realities, stressing the need for sustained determination, professionalism, and mission readiness.
According to him, the NAF will continue to deliver decisive air power in synergy with sister services and other security agencies in line with its command philosophy.
He emphasised the need to prioritise personnel welfare, enhance operational readiness, intensify training, adopt intelligence-driven operations, and ensure effective maintenance of platforms.
The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and investment in the nation’s security architecture, which he said had strengthened the operational capacity of the force.
He reassured personnel that their welfare remained a priority and reiterated the commitment of the NAF leadership to policies aimed at boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
Aneke also paid tribute to fallen heroes and urged personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to duty, adding that Easter should serve as a period of renewal of faith and resolve.
In his remarks, the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Okechukwu Okpara, also commended personnel for their resilience and professionalism amid sustained operational demands.
Okpara noted that their contributions had played a vital role in ongoing efforts to restore stability in the North-West, describing the security environment as dynamic and requiring continuous adaptation.
He said the NAF had maintained a decisive role through effective air operations, intelligence coordination, and rapid response, adding that air dominance remained critical to supporting ground operations.
The commander stressed the importance of maintaining high operational readiness, improving serviceability of platforms, strengthening training, and prioritising accurate intelligence.
He also highlighted the link between personnel welfare and operational effectiveness, while appreciating the support of the Federal Government and NAF leadership.
Okpara urged personnel to honour the sacrifices of fallen colleagues and remain committed to sustaining operational gains and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
He reaffirmed the air component’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region and wished personnel a peaceful and safe Easter celebration. (NAN