By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 6 inaugurate the newly procured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and attack aircraft into the NAF order of battle inventory to mark its 59th Anniversary Celebration.

The Chairman, Organising Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day Celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, made this known while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

Illoh, who is the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna, said the service was determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.

He said the forthcoming NAF 59th anniversary celebration with the theme “Doctrinal Imperative for Successful Nigerian Air Force Operations” has been scheduled to hold from May 4 to May 7 at the NAF Base, Emene, Enugu State.

Illoh said the activities marking the NAF Day celebration were expected to end on Saturday, May 6 with a ceremonial parade, aerial display and induction of new platforms into the NAF Order of Battle.

He stated that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari was expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

He said that the service had grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and even beyond.

“The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV” he said.

“Pursuant to its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through the application of air power, the Service is also determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.

“It is pertinent to note that the NAF has also made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent.

“It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years”.

Illoh said that NAF was a highly technical service with the fundamental mission of ‘ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other air power tasks demanded by national defence and security imperatives.

“To this end, this year’s Theme is aimed at emphasizing and promoting air mindedness among NAF personnel and ensuring a common frame of reference on the most effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations at this critical stage in our Nation’s history.

“Accordingly, to mark this year’s NAF Day Celebration, series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the Country.

“There will be series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country,” he said. (NAN)

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