CAS charges troops in Birnin Gwari to Remain Vigilant 

By Miracle Esegha, Bauchi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and morale of frontline personnel, while charging them to remain steadfast in their mission of protecting civilians against bandits and insurgents. This call was made on 3 September 2025 during the commissioning of worship centres and value-addition projects at 4135 Force Protection Wing, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. The projects, comprising worship centres for both Christian and Muslim personnel, a Mini-Mart, and a Quarter Guard Stand, were executed in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, which emphasises personnel welfare as a cornerstone of operational effectiveness.

Representing the CAS, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, praised the troops for their professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against criminal elements. He noted that their resilience has brought relative calm to communities once terrorised by bandits, while weakening the networks of those who seek to destabilise the region. AVM Dari charged the troops to remain vigilant, resolute, and united, stressing that their mission goes beyond combat, it is about safeguarding innocent civilians, building trust with communities, and ensuring lasting peace. “The communities we protect are safer today because of your efforts,” he declared. “But you must remain watchful, support one another in the field, and never forget that our ultimate duty is to shield civilians from harm.”

He reminded the personnel that unity of purpose and respect for civilian populations are powerful enablers of operational success, urging them to maintain cohesion and discipline even in the face of adversity. The AOC further assured the troops of the unwavering support of the CAS, noting that the projects commissioned were clear demonstrations of NAF’s determination to balance combat readiness with the welfare, resilience, and spiritual needs of its personnel. By blending operational focus with tangible support for its troops, the NAF continues to strengthen both its effectiveness on the battlefield and its bond with the communities it serves.