Transformative Leadership: Air Marshal Abubakar’s visionary stewardship of the Nigerian Air Force
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
