Africa Security Investigation News

By Victor Akaa.

The Nigerian Air Force has undergone significant transformation since its inception. Successive Chiefs of Air Staff have left lasting legacies, shaping the force into what it is today. The current Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has been no exception. Despite his relatively short tenure, he has made a tremendous impact, building on the foundations laid by his predecessors.

Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership has been characterized by a strong commitment to transformation and efficiency. With his wealth of experience and exposure to various operational responsibilities and leadership roles, he has brought a unique perspective to the force.

In the last 12 months, the Nigerian Air Force has witnessed unprecedented transformation under the visionary leadership of its 22nd Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar. Since assuming command in June 2023, Air Marshal Abubakar has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the NAF, focusing on leadership, innovation, and personnel welfare.

One of the significant achievements of Air Marshal Abubakar’s administration is the modernization of the Kaduna military airfield, which has been equipped with essential upgrades, including an instrument landing system, solar backup power, and advanced runway lights. Similar upgrades have also been carried out in Enugu and Port Harcourt. These upgrades have significantly enhanced the safety and efficiency of air operations, enabling the NAF to respond more effectively to national security challenges.

The NAF has also witnessed significant enhancements in its operational effectiveness under Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership. This includes the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), advanced training for combat operations, and the acquisition of new aircraft and infrastructure. Additionally, the NAF has prioritized safety measures, including safety education and training. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the NAF’s operational capabilities, enabling it to conduct more effective and efficient air operations.

Air Marshal Abubakar has placed a high premium on personnel training and development. In the last 12 months, the NAF has trained 163 pilots locally and 116 pilots abroad. Furthermore, 1,712 personnel received ground training locally, while 315 personnel were trained internationally. The NAF has also trained 1,111 technicians at the Air Force Institute of Technology. These training programmes have significantly enhanced the skills and knowledge of NAF personnel, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.

The NAF has also strengthened its international partnerships under Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership. The Air Force has participated in various international training programmes, including the Critical Assets Protection Squad Training, which was attended by 150 personnel.
Additionally, the NAF has bolstered its strategic partnerships with key international allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. These partnerships have enabled the NAF to leverage international expertise and resources to enhance its operational capabilities.

The NAF has also demonstrated a high level of collaboration with its sister services, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies. This collaboration has enabled the NAF to contribute more effectively to joint operations, including counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, banditry, oil bunkering and other sundry crimes.

The NAF has been instrumental in combating various security threats across the country, particularly through its collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies. Notably, the NAF has conducted joint operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, bandits in the Northwest, and oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.

These joint operations have yielded significant results, substantially degrading the insurgents’ capabilities and enabling the Nigerian military to reclaim previously occupied territories. The NAF’s airstrikes, in particular, have been crucial in weakening the insurgents’ strongholds.

In the Northwest, the NAF has targeted bandits who have been terrorizing communities through kidnapping, cattle rustling, and extortion. The air force’s operations have disrupted the bandits’ supply chains and revenue streams, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their activities.

Similarly, in the Niger Delta region, the NAF has conducted airstrikes against oil thieves, significantly reducing the incidence of pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering, thereby increasing oil production.

The success of these joint operations underscores the importance of inter-service collaboration and the effectiveness of the NAF’s air power in supporting ground operations. As the Nigerian military continues to confront various security challenges, the NAF remains a vital component of the country’s defence strategy.

The NAF has conducted several airstrikes and combat operations against Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal elements in the last 12 months. These operations have been conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. For instance, the NAF conducted a series of airstrikes against Boko Haram insurgents in the Sambisa Forest, destroying several of their logistics bases and killing hundreds of insurgents.

Similarly, the NAF conducted airstrikes against bandits in the Northwest, destroying their camps and killing several of their leaders. These airstrikes and combat operations have significantly degraded the capabilities of these criminal elements, enabling the Nigerian military to restore peace and security to previously affected areas.

Air Marshal Abubakar has prioritized the welfare of NAF personnel, focusing on education, housing, medical care, and other aspects of personnel welfare. The NAF has also embarked on an infrastructural renewal programme, with over 809 projects completed or ongoing.
These projects include the construction of new barracks, offices, and other infrastructure, as well as the renovation of existing facilities.

Under his leadership, the Nigerian Air Force has made significant strides in various areas, including counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and air power development. His command philosophy, backed by five key enablers, has led to modest yet significant progress in various operational areas.

Air Marshal Abubakar’s achievements are a testament to his dedication and vision for the Nigerian Air Force.

In the last 12 months, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has demonstrated visionary leadership, transforming the NAF into a more effective, efficient, and responsive force. His focus on leadership, innovation, and personnel welfare has yielded significant dividends, and the NAF is poised to continue playing a critical role in defending Nigeria’s airspace and supporting national security objectives.

As the NAF continues to evolve and adapt to emerging security challenges, it is clear that Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership has laid a solid foundation for the Air Force’s future success.

Born on September 11, 1970, in Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State, Air Marshal Abubakar has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades.

Air Marshal Abubakar attended the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, and later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39 Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in September 1992..

Air Marshal Abubakar has undergone extensive military training, including Ab-initio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna. He also attended the Junior and Senior Command Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State.

Throughout his career, Air Marshal Abubakar has held various roles, including Officer Commanding ‘B’ Squadron, Commanding Officer Base Services Wing, and Chief of Staff at Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He has also served as the Director of Policy and Director of Operations at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.

Air Marshal Abubakar has gained international experience, serving as a Team Leader in Mahagi, Ituri Brigade, and as an Aviation Planning Officer at the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC).

Air Marshal Abubakar has been decorated with several awards, including the General Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and General Service Medal. He is also a member of various professional institutions, including the National Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and Fellow Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria.

Air Marshal Abubakar is happily married to Hajiya Rakiya Abubakar, and they have children. He enjoys flying aeroplanes and spends his leisure time reading, reflecting, and keeping fit.

Victor Akaa writes from Abuja

By Emmanuel Daudu-Abuja

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development, NigeriaID4D project, flags off  a 2-day roundtable discussion with online publishers with the theme, “building formidable bridges with the digital media ecosystem” .

The  workshop which was flagged of on the 28th of  November 2024 in Abuja, targets  innovative strategies for improving public awareness and participation in the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment process across the federation.

The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote,  represented by Engr. Lanre Yusuf, Director Information Technology and Identity Database (IT/IDD) talked on importance  of engaging online media as a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s identity management ecosystem as he stressed on how in high esteem the commission holds the media, pointing out that more of the media support and collaboration is needed for the commission to achieve its aims and objectives.

He emphasized that digital media plays a crucial role in connecting with Nigerians, particularly the youth and underserved communities. “By leveraging these platforms, we can address enrollment disparities and ensure that every individual has access to educational opportunities, ultimately working towards inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind”.

While speaking further, Engr. Coker-Odusote, outlined a five point agenda of the present NIMC administration to include; Nationwide Inclusion to ensure access to National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment for all Nigerians, including those in remote and underserved areas, to promote inclusivity and leave no one behind;  Data Integrity and Security to  Improve processes to ensure the accuracy and security of the NIMC database, protecting it from errors and fraud; Decentralized Operations to expand operations to reach all corners of the country, bringing services closer to the people and enhancing the efficiency of enrollment processes.

Others are: Stakeholder Collaboration to  Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders such as the National Population Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other entities involved in identity management to harmonize databases and ensure seamless service delivery; Capacity Building and Revalidation to enhance the capacity of Front-End Enrollment Partners (FEPs) and staff, revalidating the business model for fairness, and addressing outstanding payments to ensure operational sustainability.

He stressed that NIMC’s commitment to decentralizing operations, modernizing ICT systems, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and announced plans to introduce new technologies and streamline services to make the NIN enrollment process more accessible and user-friendly.

The Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs Tito Ejenavi stated that the project is designed to facilitate access to essential services and ultimately to stimulate demand for these IDs based on the improved accessibility to services they enable.

According to her, the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project is resilient in supporting the National Identity Management Commission in the drive to make our national identity system more robust, sustainable and inclusive.

“Part of our Mission is to assist NIMC in extending enrolment and identity issuance to all persons including the poor and marginalized groups of women, children, young girls, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and migrants. Our mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion”, she added.

While discussing her paper, she pointed out that  the roundtable discussion with the online publishers will provide an overview into the projects which include improving NIN registration coverage, harmonizing biometric databases across government agencies, and enhancing the efficiency of identity verification systems for national development for all Nigerians both in and outside the country as she  Pointing out that  by pointed out that online publishers, the NIMC aims to enhance public awareness and trust in the identification process, ensuring that citizens understand the benefits of digital identity for their interactions with government services and the economy.

Moreover, participants emphasized the need for creating user-friendly platforms that simplify the enrollment process and provide clear guidance on how to obtain a NIN. This includes enhancing mobile accessibility and leveraging social media channels to reach a broader audience. The initiative also aims to foster partnerships with tech companies to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between potential enrollees and enrollment centers.

In line with these discussions, the importance of proactive communication strategies was highlighted, focusing on transparency and responsiveness to public concerns. By addressing misconceptions and providing timely updates, NIMC can build a more informed citizenry that is empowered to participate in national identity efforts.

Ultimately, this initiative not only seeks to bolster national security by establishing a robust digital identity framework but also aims to stimulate economic growth through increased accessibility to services and opportunities tied to having a secure identification. Through collaborative efforts and the strategic use of technology, the NIMC is committed to creating a more inclusive environment for all Nigerians.