CAS: Asymmetric Threats Demand Agile, Sustained Responses

Linus Alekein Abuja

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday, said asymmetric threats demanded agile and sustained responses.

Abubakar stated that logistics must no longer be seen as a backend function but as a frontline enabler of combat power, adding, “The Nigerian Air Force cannot afford to be reactive. We must anticipate, adapt, and innovate.”

He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had reconfigured four pre-owned fuel tankers into specialised aircraft refuelling bowsers to boost operational efficiency.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore EhimenEjodame, made the assertions, in a statement

Ejodame said the initiative, executed under the supervision of the 643 Equipment Supply Depot in Lagos, reflected the Chief of the Air Staff’s resolve to entrench proactive logistics support and deepen maintenance culture while leveraging innovation and resourcefulness across the service.

He stated, “These reconfigured bowsers represent more than just fuel on wheels. They embody our drive for self-reliance and operational adaptability.

“In an era where speed and sustainability of logistics are critical to mission success, the Nigerian Air Force cannot afford to be reactive. We must anticipate, adapt, and innovate.”

Abubakar explained that the newly reconfigured bowsers were set to play a critical role in sustaining ongoing air operations, particularly in counterterrorism missions and joint force deployments across the country.

“By doing so, the NAF aims to enhance persistent air presence, optimise turnaround times, and deliver decisive effects in complex operational environments,” he said.

The air chief stressed that one of the aircraft refuelling units had already been deployed to the 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji, with the remaining units earmarked for other strategic locations nationwide.

He said the move was expected to significantly improve the service’s operational readiness and reaffirmed the NAF’s steadfast commitment to national security and the protection of all Nigerians.