“Come See Your Air Force”: NAF Kicks Off 61st Anniversary with Community-Focused Celebrations

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced activities marking its 61st anniversary with a series of civil-military engagement programmes designed to strengthen national unity, promote transparency, and highlight the evolving role of the Air Force in national security and community development.

The celebrations, flagged off in Bauchi on Monday, were declared open by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command, Bauchi, Air Vice Marshal Usman Abdullahi, who emphasized the importance of public trust and participation in the NAF’s operations.

“This Open Day is a reflection of our commitment to transparency, national unity, and pride in service,” Abdullahi stated. “We invite all Nigerians to come, see, and connect with their Air Force.”

Abdullahi praised the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his visionary leadership and the strategic foresight behind the nationwide initiative.

He reassured Nigerians of the Air Force’s continuous commitment to tackling the country’s security challenges.

With the theme “Come See Your Air Force,” the celebration includes guided tours of NAF facilities, aircraft displays, interactive sessions with Air Force personnel, and educational outreach programs such as career talks and mentorship for students.

The open day events are scheduled to run from May 1 to 15, 2025, across several NAF bases, including those in Makurdi, Bauchi, Lagos, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Kano, and others.

Delivering a goodwill message, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his Chief Security Adviser, Abdulrahman Ahmed, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its growth, professionalism, and critical role in combating insurgency and banditry.

He called for enhanced surveillance along Bauchi’s borders with Plateau, Gombe, and Taraba States, and urged stronger collaboration between the Air Force and other security agencies.

Highlights of the opening day in Bauchi included visits by school children, career guidance sessions, and interactive engagements with NAF units stationed at the base.