Air Vice Marshal, AVM, Hasan Bala Abubakar, is the 22nd Chief of Air Staff. Prior to his appointment on June 19, 2023, he was at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters as the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, an appointment where he placed high premium on Research and Development.
With his appointment, it is hoped that his plan to gradually stop dependence on foreign vendors for materials as well as to save foreign exchange for the country will pay off, especially with the serious R&D to embarked upon by NAF. Upon taking over the helm of affairs of the Nigerian Air Force on June 22, 2023, he revealed that his Command Philosophy, which is coined out of the vision and mission of the AFN as encapsulated in the 2017 National Defence Policy document, aims at providing a holistic view of how to accomplish assigned missions, get the various parts of the NAF working in unison and thriving, while also safeguarding the welfare of all personnel. Beyond this, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the astute manager of men and resources is bent on overhauling NAF operational environment
On June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Air Vice Marshal, AVM, Hasan Bala Abubakar, as 22nd Chief of Air Staff. Until his appointment, he was the Chief of Standards and Evaluations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja and he took over from Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (Rtd).
Commitment to Serve at Handing and Taking Over
At the handing and taking over in Abuja on June 22, 2023, he commended his predecessor for the mentorship and solid legacies which he can seamlessly build upon.
While thanking President Bola Tinubu for the honour and privilege to serve as the Chief of Air Staff, he said his appointment came at a time that the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualisation of peace and security is very high.Therefore, he restated his commitment to reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and a host of other security threats bedeviling Nigeria, adding that given that the two unique attributes of the former chiefs were cooperation and jointness and how it contributed immensely to the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations, he said this present crop of service chiefs will uphold these attributes in line with Mr. President directive issued during the maiden National Security Council meeting.
He also pledged to take additional airpower measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and then enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operation.
AVM Abubakar also pledge his unalloyed loyalty to Mr. President, stressing that the NAF is ever willing, able and ready to lay at Mr. President’s disposal, professional expertise “to achieve our mission of fulfilling all air power tasks demanded by national defense and security imperatives”.
Command Philosophy
For his Command Philosophy, the CAS said it will be coined out of the vision and mission of the AFN as encapsulated in the 2017 National Defence Policy document.
According to him, the need to adhere and key into a single vision and mission by the AFN will enhance synergy of purpose while improving jointness, cooperation and esprit de corps.
He went on to note that his Command Philosophy aims at providing a holistic view of how to accomplish assigned missions, get the various parts of the NAF working in unison and thriving, while also safeguarding the welfare of all personnel.
Overhauling NAF Operational Environment
In view of the need to readapt to the ever-dynamic nature of the current operational environment, the CAS on July 4, revealed that the NAF will soon undertake an overhaul of its entire operations.
Speaking at the weekly operations briefing at the Strategic Operations Centre, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Abuja, he said the need to overhaul the operational environment became expedient in order to maximise the potentials of jointness as being exhibited by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies.
He however noted that the need for attitudinal change by all NAF personnel was imperative if the gains of an overhaul of the entire operational environment were to be maximised.
According to the CAS, “Without the right attitude by the officers and men of the NAF, any form of overhaul undertaken by the service will be a waste of time and resources.”
While commending the efforts of NAF personnel especially those at the various operational theatres for their commitment and dedication to ongoing counterterrorism operations, he reiterated the need for all to redouble their efforts towards ensuring that all forms of criminality were eradicated from the society.
The CAS also noted that though there was the need to employ non-kinetic means of reaching out to those aggrieved, which does not fall within the purview of the military, air and ground operations must be sustained.
He also stated that under his watch, an all-inclusive leadership style would be imbibed where every personnel would be carried along, while also ensuring that welfare, infrastructural development and all operational needs are given due consideration.
Inspection of New NAF Base in Ibadan
As expected, the chief went on an inspection of some commands and units to know their capabilities.
During the recently concluded Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), Ibadan, the CAS inspected the ongoing projects at the new NAF Base situated at Ajia Community, Ibadan on July 6.
According to the Director of Public Relations (DOPRI), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on April 2022, the NAF had taken possession of a 58-hectare land at Ajia Community in Ibadan donated by the Oyo State government for the construction of a permanent NAF Base.
According to the DOPRI, it is hoped that when completed, the new base would enhance NAF readiness and responsiveness to security challenges in the state.
Situated near the Ibadan Airport, the new bsse is also expected to serve as an alternate airfield to Lagos airfield, thus enabling the NAF to launch seamless and efficient air operations in the Southwest Region of Nigeria.
CAS’ Charge to NAF Recruit Graduates
On July 8, at the graduation of new set of 1,124 recruits at the Military Training Centre, NAF Base, Kaduna, the CAS tasked them to be focused, motivated and innovative while contributing to NAF’s efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
After reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the Basic Military Training Course recruits, he reminded them that they would be deployed to the various operational theatres to contribute their quota to national security. He also urged them to ensure they operate within the rules of engagement as enumerated in the code of conduct for Armed Forces personnel involved in internal security operations.
He also admonished them to ensure they respect and protect the innocent and law-abiding civilians they trained to defend. “Treat them with respect and protect their rights. By so doing, you will be discharging your professional and constitutional duties. Remember also that the NAF undoubtedly expects the highest standards from you regarding civil-military Relations, ” he stated.
The CAS went on to advise the new recruits to take advantage of abundant training opportunities in the NAF to become proficient in their chosen specialties. He also reiterated the need for them to be disciplined and subordinate their personal interests to those of the service and the nation.
Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar charged them to ensure they internalise and thoroughly embrace the NAF core values of ‘Integrity first, Service before self and excellence in all you do,’ in order to maintain the reputation the Service has earned over the years.
On the ongoing efforts to rid the nation of all criminal acts, the CAS counselled them not to allow themselves to be used by any subversive elements to destabilise the country. According to him, “You must not succumb to any inducement or action that would cause disaffection amongst fellow members of the Armed Forces and remember that your duty is to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of their leanings or inclinations.”
Air Vice Marshal Abubakar also told the recruits to remember that they were now subject to both military and civil laws, hence, they must ensure they submit themselves to civil authority under democratic tenets.
In view of the dangers the misuse of social media by some personnel portends for ongoing operations, the CAS advised them to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the social media policy of the Armed Force of Nigeria. According to him, contravening any of the provisions therein would be viewed very seriously.
Additional Platforms to Boost Counter-terrorism Operations
On July 21, the CAS, while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational tour of NAF units in Makurdi, Benue State, disclosed that the NAF is expecting 51 additional platforms to boost counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations in the country.
He noted that acquisition of additional platforms would bolster training, air power employment and projection.
The platforms being expected, according to the CAS, include 2 Agusta 109 Trekker Multi-role helicopters, 2 Beechcraft King Air 360, 3 Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft and 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters. Other pending acquisitions include 2 CASA -295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.
All these acquisitions, according to the CAS, demonstrates the federal government’s deep commitment to equipping the NAF for the safe conduct of training and agile airpower employment to meet the Nation’s security challenges.
Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF would continue to enhance cooperation and jointness as part of a whole-of-nation approach to quickly resolving the security challenges bedeviling the country.
“While the NAF augments its airpower measures and approaches, it will also continue to promote seamless interoperability of equipment and joint force employment by the various services.”
He therefore enjoined the personnel to cooperate with other services and security agencies to meet the high expectations of Nigerians on the Armed Forces as well as restore peace and security and ensure a safe and prosperous nation.
The CAS also assured the personnel of his commitment to proactively address maintenance and logistics support for all NAF fleet to ensure it surpasses the current average serviceability of over 78 per cent.
Addressing Training Needs
On training, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar has stated that overseas and local training will henceforth be deliberate and targeted to address deficiencies in needed skills and capabilities, just as selection for such courses will be purely merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.
Boosting Welfare for Personnel
On welfare, the CAS has also noted that under his watch, problems of poor electricity and water supply as well as dilapidated accommodation and road infrastructure on all NAF Bases would be given the utmost priority they deserve to ensure personnel and their families live comfortably.
While assuring them of prompt payment of all entitlements, he also promised to look into the issue of uniforms and other accoutrements. The CAS also called on the need for the personnel to remain disciplined, diligent and responsible in their conduct in and out of uniforms.
About AVM Hassan Bala Abubakar
Born on September 11, 1970, AVM Hassan Abubakar hails from Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State. He enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 39 and was commissioned Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992.
AVM Abubakar has attended several courses, among which are Ab-initio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the then 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna; Basic and Advance Airborne Courses at the Nigerian Army Infantry Centre and School, Jaji; and Company Amphibious Operations Course at the Nigerian Army Infantry Centre and School, Calabar.
Others include Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, and National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy, Cairo, Egypt.
Previous appointments held by the CAS include Officer Commanding B Squadron (Do 228), 81 Air Maritime Group NAF Benin; Team Leader MILOB Team Site 615 Mahagi (Ituri Brigade) United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC); and Aviation Planning Officer, MONUC Air Operations Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
He was Commanding Officer Base Services Wing 81 Air Maritime Group Benin, and later served at different times at the 88 Military Airlift Group, Ikeja, where he held various appointments, including Operations Officer Operational Conversion Unit, Operations Officer, Commanding Officer 21 Wing, and Group Safety Officer.
Furthermore, he was Fleet Operation Officer 011Presidential Air Fleet, and thereafter served as the Commander of the Unit. His other appointments include Chief of Staff, Mobility Command, Yenagoa; Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Ikeja, as well as Director of Policy, and Director of Operations, both at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.
AVM Abubakar has earned several awards and decoration, some of which include Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Passed Staff Course (psc), and Fellow Defence College (fdc). He is a member of the National Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Public Management, and Nigerian Institute of Safety Professional.
The Chief holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science from NDA, and Masters Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
