By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) marked its 61st anniversary with a renewed commitment to national security, highlighting the organization’s transformative journey and growing roles in regional cooperation, air power, and defense innovation.

The Chairman of the NAF@61 Organising Committee and 4th African Air Forces Forum, Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, delivered this pledge during a press briefing in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, Eyoma reflected on the NAF’s significant changes over the decades, noting its evolution into a professional and formidable force capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities.

He stated, “Over the decades, the Nigerian Air Force has evolved into a formidable and professional force, delivering effectively on its constitutional responsibilities. We have been at the forefront of efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, and other security threats across the country.”

The Air Force, he explained, has become adept at utilizing advanced technologies and conducting coordinated joint operations to disrupt criminal networks, protect national integrity, and support other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order.

Eyoma highlighted the NAF’s continued success through precision airstrikes, surveillance, and coordinated operations, noting significant achievements in weakening terrorist networks and disrupting their logistics. He credited these efforts as pivotal in supporting the ground troops and law enforcement agencies engaged in national security operations.

In addition to operational successes, the Air Force has worked on improving its civil-military relations. The anniversary theme, “Optimizing Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations,” underscores the NAF’s recognition of the importance of civilian support in national defense.

He further emphasized, “The citizenry is a worthy partner in our efforts to secure the country.”

As part of its civil engagement efforts, the NAF has hosted a series of events, including the Chief of the Air Staff’s Literary Competition, which ran from February 10 to 22, and Open Day visits at NAF bases, offering the public a chance to interact with airmen and learn about the service.

In a bid to further enhance community engagement, the NAF will inaugurate a clinic in Rukubi, located in the Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. This community had been affected by an unfortunate airstrike in January 2023.

Another major highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be the formal induction of the Augusta 109S Trekker helicopter into the Presidential Air Fleet. The induction ceremony, which will be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will take place at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet Base.

The celebrations will culminate in the 4th African Air Forces Forum, scheduled for May 22 and 23, 2025, in Lagos. The theme of this year’s forum is “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security.”

Eyoma revealed that over 2,000 participants will attend, including 12 Chiefs of Air Staff, 30 air forces, and 45 industry exhibitors, such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, and Havelsan, among others. This event will serve as a platform to consolidate the achievements of African air forces and strengthen multilateral cooperation through innovation and shared strategies.

Eyoma concluded, “This is an opportunity to consolidate our achievements and enhance multilateral cooperation through innovation and shared strategy.”

The NAF’s 61st anniversary marks an important milestone in the Air Force’s journey towards national security excellence and regional defense cooperation.