LAGOS/Nigeria: The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, has charged officers, airmen and airwomen under the command to remain vigilant, physically fit and combat-ready to confront emerging security challenges across the country.
Suleh gave the charge on Saturday during the Logistics Command’s 2026 Second Quarter Route March held in Lagos, where personnel marched from the base to the International Airport Road and back as part of efforts to enhance operational preparedness and physical endurance.
Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, the AOC said the route march was far more than a routine physical activity, describing it as a critical military tradition aimed at testing endurance, building stamina and strengthening esprit de corps among personnel.
According to him, the exercise also serves as a demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness and determination to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and support ongoing security operations.
“Beyond physical conditioning, this route march serves as a symbolic show of force, demonstrating our collective resilience, discipline and unwavering combat readiness to defend our nation,” Suleh stated.
He noted that as personnel of the Logistics Command, the success of Nigerian Air Force operations largely depends on their ability to sustain missions, transport critical assets and provide essential support services.
“As personnel of Logistics Command, the operational efficiency of the entire Nigerian Air Force rests heavily on our ability to sustain operations, transport critical assets and provide steadfast support. This requires us to remain mentally sharp and physically fit at all times,” he added.
The AOC commended the participants for their enthusiasm, discipline and commitment throughout the exercise, stressing that the nation’s security demands absolute readiness from all military personnel.
He urged them to maintain the fitness level demonstrated during the route march and continue to discharge their statutory responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.
Suleh also reminded personnel to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Air Force both within and outside military formations.
“I must also use this opportunity to remind you of your conduct both in and outside the barracks. Continue to be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Air Force by remaining law-abiding, vigilant and dedicated to duty,” he said.
The AOC further emphasized the importance of teamwork, describing it as a critical ingredient for the success of military operations and organizational effectiveness.
He urged personnel to replicate the spirit of cooperation displayed during the exercise in their daily assignments, noting that no individual or unit can function effectively in isolation.
“You need other units, you need your colleagues to work together as a group, as a team, for us to achieve the objectives of the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
Suleh also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for his visionary leadership and sustained commitment to enhancing the welfare and operational capabilities of Nigerian Air Force personnel.
The quarterly route march forms part of the Nigerian Air Force’s physical fitness and operational readiness programme designed to keep personnel prepared for the demands of military service and national security responsibilities.
