The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to support efforts aimed at securing the safe release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.
Aneke gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force’s second-quarter 2026 route march exercise, where he reiterated the service’s commitment to national security and ongoing rescue operations across the country.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the Air Chief stated that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies in tackling security challenges and protecting citizens.
He emphasized that the NAF remains fully committed to supporting military and security operations designed to safeguard lives, secure communities and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the Air Force will sustain its partnership with sister security agencies to ensure coordinated responses to threats while contributing to broader national security objectives.
Aneke noted that the route march exercise highlighted the importance the Air Force places on the physical fitness and overall well-being of its personnel, describing both as essential requirements for effective military operations.
He explained that maintaining a healthy and fit workforce is critical to ensuring personnel are capable of responding efficiently to the demands of modern warfare and security operations.
The Air Chief stressed that physical readiness remains a key factor in enhancing operational effectiveness and mission success across all areas of military responsibility.
He added that the route march was designed not only to improve physical fitness but also to strengthen teamwork, discipline and unity among officers and personnel.
According to him, activities of this nature help foster camaraderie, esprit de corps and mutual trust, qualities that are necessary for achieving operational goals and delivering effective service.
Aneke encouraged personnel to adopt healthy lifestyles and make regular physical exercise part of their daily routines in order to maintain both physical and mental fitness.
He said the Air Force leadership has directed all personnel to actively participate in weekly Wednesday sporting activities conducted across NAF formations and bases nationwide.
The initiative, he explained, is intended to promote wellness, encourage social interaction among personnel and strengthen cohesion within the service.
The CAS also stated that the programme would help identify talented athletes who could represent the Armed Forces of Nigeria at sporting competitions and military games.
Additionally, he noted that structured sporting activities serve as a positive engagement platform capable of discouraging behaviours and activities that could distract personnel from their professional duties.
While addressing participants, Aneke expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support toward the growth, modernization and operational advancement of the Nigerian Air Force.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s contributions to improving the service’s capabilities and enhancing its ability to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The Air Chief also commended senior officers, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian employees for their dedication, professionalism and participation in the exercise.
He praised their commitment to duty and their contributions toward maintaining the operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force.
Furthermore, Aneke applauded the commander of the 053 Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp, and members of the organizing team for successfully coordinating and hosting the event.
He expressed confidence that continued investment in personnel welfare, training and fitness programmes would further strengthen the Air Force’s ability to execute its mandate effectively.
The assurance by the Air Chief comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in different parts of the country, including victims recently kidnapped in Oyo State.
Authorities have maintained that security operations are ongoing and that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the victims while bringing those responsible for the crimes to justice.
