The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid tribute to five of its personnel who tragically lost their lives in an accident while traveling to represent Nigeria at the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja.
A minute of silence was observed in their honor during the Fourth Quarter 2024 Route March exercise held on Saturday across all NAF formations nationwide.
The personnel were part of a group of 19 travelers who died in an auto crash at Hawan Kibo in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday.
“The unfortunate incident occurred around Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road,” said NAF spokesman Olusola Akinboyewa in a statement.
“Our personnel were heading for a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck.
“Consequently, statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances as this have been activated by the NAF to provide comfort and succour to the bereaved families.”
In a statement released on Saturday by Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, it was emphasized that this tragedy highlights the sacrifices made by NAF personnel in their service to the nation.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) also reassured that the NAF would always honor its fallen heroes and support the families they left behind.
The nationwide event saw personnel from various units engaging in a coordinated show of physical fitness, mental resilience, and unity, reinforcing the NAF’s operational readiness.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who was also the guest of honour, stressed the critical importance of physical and mental preparedness for all personnel, especially given Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to rigorous training, which aligned with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy, namely “Deliberate Training and Mission-oriented Force Development”. This speaks eloquently to the CAS’s strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.
Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted plans to upgrade NAF sporting facilities, including constructing a state-of-the-art gym at the NAF Special Operations Command and refurbishing existing gyms across all units.
He encouraged weekly participation in sporting activities to foster fitness, teamwork, and talent discovery, noting that youth competitions are in the works to engage young people in NAF bases and uncover hidden talents.
The NAF said it remained steadfast in providing essential resources and training to support personnel in all operational tasks.
The exercise concluded with a solemn reminder to maintain vigilance, adaptability, and resilience amid evolving security demands.
As part of activities that marked the event, the NAF male volleyball team was congratulated on topping the National Division 1 Volleyball League, leading to its promotion to the Premier League.
