The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar has said that emerging threats such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime “do not respect jurisdictional boundaries” and therefore, require a unified, multi-agency response.
As a result, he has called for sustained collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, stressing that national security is a shared duty that demands unity of effort.
Speaking at the Air Provost Conference 2025, today, 8th September, 2025 in Jos, Air Marshal Abubakar told heads and representatives of sister security agencies present that their participation underscored “the undeniable truth that national security is a collective responsibility.”
The CAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), particularly the Air Provost, to strengthen inter-agency bonds through joint intelligence sharing, crime detection, coordinated operations, and mutual capacity building.
“We must continue to dismantle institutional barriers and operate as one unified force for the security of our nation,” he added.
Highlighting the central role of the Air Provost in NAF operations, the CAS described them as the “custodians of discipline” and “guardians of installations,” whose work is vital to both internal order and broader operational success.
To further strengthen Air Provost capability, Air Marshal Abubakar unveiled new initiatives, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art forensic and digital crime laboratory at the Air Police Training Centre in Jos, the acquisition of new Military Working Dogs (MWDs) for the K9 units, and the recruitment of 100 Air Police personnel annually for the next five years.
He also disclosed ongoing improvements to guard room facilities, construction of new Provost squadrons, and completion of student accommodation at the Air Police Training Centre in Kerang.
Looking ahead, the CAS said training would be intensified to meet evolving security threats, particularly in cyber warfare and digital forensics, ensuring the Air Provost can protect the NAF’s critical digital infrastructure.
He urged participants to seize the opportunity of the conference to learn, collaborate, and shape policies that will enhance training and operations across all NAF formations.
The CAS used the opportunity to express profound appreciation to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force. While commending the Directorate of Air Provost for organising the event, which was last held seven years ago, the CAS reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to democracy and to the supremacy of the rule of law.
“Our personnel will continue to be law-abiding, while upholding justice and respect for civil authority”, he added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Sani, emphasised the pivotal role of the Air Provost in maintaining discipline, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding NAF infrastructure.
He observed that this year’s theme, “Leveraging Technology, Collaboration, Capacity Building and Training for Enhanced AP Duties in a Dynamic Security Environment,” was not only apt but also resonated with the second key enabler of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, “deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.”
According to him, it reflected a shared aspiration to equip personnel with the right tools, mindset, and strategies to operate effectively in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, praised the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in the state for their relentless efforts in sustaining peace across Plateau.
In his remarks, the Air Provost Marshal, AVM JA Usman, appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff for his steadfast support, strategic guidance, and commitment to developing NAF Provost personnel.
He noted that the Conference had renewed the Directorate’s resolve to harness technology, foster collaboration, and build capacity in executing its duties. The three-day event features paper presentations and interactive sessions linking theory with real-life experiences.
Two papers were presented on Day One by AVM KG Lar (rtd) and Professor Etannibi Alemika. While Day two will also feature papers by AIG Emeka Nwonyi Polycarp, PhD, Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos, and Professor Kursim Leonard.
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