NAF Holds Nationwide Route March, Vows Sustained Pressure on Security Threats
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a highly combat-ready force capable of tackling security challenges across the country, following the successful conduct of its 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise held simultaneously in all commands and formations nationwide.
The exercise, which took place on Friday, involved officers, airmen and airwomen across NAF formations, including the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, Special Operations Command in Bauchi, Mobility Command in Bayelsa State, Air Training Command in Kaduna, Ground Training Command in Enugu, Logistics Command in Lagos, and Headquarters NAF in Abuja.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, described the nationwide event as a demonstration of the Service’s dedication to physical fitness, operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
According to him, the evolving security landscape requires personnel who are physically fit, mentally resilient and professionally prepared to operate in demanding operational environments.
He noted that the route march remains a vital aspect of the NAF’s force development programme, designed to improve endurance, discipline, resilience and overall combat capability.
Air Marshal Aneke said the exercise aligns with his command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in collaboration with other security agencies and surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
“The security challenges facing our country demand a force that is always prepared to respond swiftly and decisively. Physical fitness and mental toughness are fundamental attributes of military professionalism and remain key enablers of operational success,” he stated.
The CAS stressed that maintaining peak physical condition is essential for sustaining military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other security threats confronting the nation.
He added that beyond enhancing fitness, the exercise promotes teamwork, discipline, cohesion and esprit de corps among personnel, qualities he described as critical to the success of joint and air-ground operations.
To sustain the gains recorded, the Air Chief directed personnel across all NAF formations to actively participate in weekly Wednesday sporting activities, noting that regular exercise promotes wellness, unity, peaceful coexistence and talent development.
Air Marshal Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening the operational capabilities and transformation of the Nigerian Air Force. He commended officers, airmen and airwomen for their dedication and enthusiastic participation in the exercise.
The simultaneous route march across NAF commands and formations nationwide, according to the Service, underscores its determination to maintain a fit, disciplined and mission-ready force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting efforts to eliminate security threats across the country.
(NAF Media)
