The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has conducted its Year 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise across all its Commands and formations nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen combat readiness and operational preparedness.
The exercise, held simultaneously on June 6, 2026, involved officers, airmen and airwomen across the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, the six NAF Commands and other units across the country.
Participating commands included the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, Special Operations Command in Bauchi, Mobility Command in Bayelsa, Air Training Command in Kaduna, Ground Training Command in Enugu, and Logistics Command in Lagos.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the NAF Headquarters Camp in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, said the exercise showed the Service’s commitment to physical fitness, discipline, operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
He noted that Nigeria’s complex security environment requires personnel who are physically fit, mentally resilient and professionally prepared to operate in difficult and changing operational theatres.
The Air Chief said the route march remains a key part of NAF’s force development strategy, aimed at improving endurance, resilience and overall combat preparedness.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen the operational capacity and transformation of the Nigerian Air Force.
NAF said the nationwide exercise further reflects its determination to maintain a fit, disciplined and mission-ready force capable of supporting national security operations and working with sister agencies to defeat threats across the country.
Daily Times
