Insecurity: CAS Abubakar reiterates commitment to civilian safety in operations

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to civilian protection across all theatres of engagement, in line with the vision of a mission-ready and people-focused Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Saturday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The CAS gave the assurance through the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, during a high-level strategic engagement with the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, operating in the North-West region.

While addressing frontline personnel during the engagement, AVM Daramola lauded the troops for their string of tactical achievements under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, describing the successes as a testament to the transformational leadership and strategic foresight of the Chief of the Air Staff.

The CAS, who emphasised that NAF operations must consistently employ precision strikes to sustain public trust, declared: “Every action we take must demonstrate not only tactical efficiency but also strategic empathy.”

He underscored the critical role of community cooperation in the success of ongoing operations.

According to him, “This is the people’s Air Force; we are here to protect them. But to be truly effective, we need their trust and the provision of timely, credible intelligence to decisively neutralise criminal elements.”

Expressing confidence in the professionalism and discipline of NAF personnel, the statement further added that the Air Component Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, Air Commodore Garba Ibrahim Jibia, had earlier warmly welcomed the visit, describing it as a morale booster and a strong reaffirmation of strategic leadership support from NAF Headquarters.

According to the statement, the visit represents a critical move to reinforce the CAS’s directive that all air operations must align with international humanitarian law and best practices.

It also affirms the NAF’s commitment to professional excellence, precision targeting, and enhanced synergy with ground troops and the civil populace in ongoing military campaigns.

As the Nigerian Air Force intensifies its multidimensional approach to national security—blending kinetic operations with non-kinetic initiatives—the continued emphasis on civilian protection, community engagement, and operational accountability remains essential.

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