Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday conducted its 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise across all commands and formations nationwide, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a highly combat-ready force capable of responding swiftly and effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The exercise, held simultaneously at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force in Abuja and across all NAF commands, brought together officers, airmen and airwomen in a coordinated demonstration of physical fitness, discipline, resilience and operational preparedness.
Participating formations included the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, Special Operations Command in Bauchi, Mobility Command in Bayelsa State, Air Training Command in Kaduna, Ground Training Command in Enugu, Logistics Command in Lagos, as well as several other units and establishments spread across the country.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at NAF Camp Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the exercise reflects the Service’s determination to sustain a professional, motivated and mission-ready force capable of addressing contemporary security threats confronting the nation.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the CAS noted that the increasingly complex security environment demands military personnel who are physically fit, mentally resilient and professionally equipped to operate effectively in diverse and challenging operational theatres.
He described the route march as a critical aspect of the Nigerian Air Force’s force development programme, stressing that it is designed to enhance endurance, teamwork, discipline, mental toughness and overall combat effectiveness among personnel.
According to him, maintaining a high level of physical readiness remains essential to sustaining ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other criminal activities threatening national security and public safety.
“The security challenges facing our country demand a force that is always prepared to respond swiftly and decisively. Physical fitness and mental toughness are fundamental attributes of military professionalism and remain key enablers of operational success,” he stated.
Air Marshal Aneke further explained that beyond physical conditioning, the exercise strengthens esprit de corps, cohesion and teamwork among personnel, qualities he described as indispensable for the successful execution of joint military operations and air-ground missions across various theatres of operation.
He added that the route march aligns with his Command Philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with sister services and other security agencies in support of national security objectives.
To sustain the gains achieved through the exercise, the CAS directed all personnel to actively participate in weekly sporting activities across NAF formations nationwide. He noted that regular sporting engagements not only promote physical and mental wellness but also foster unity, peaceful coexistence and talent development among personnel.
The Air Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening the operational capabilities and transformation of the Nigerian Air Force. He commended officers, airmen and airwomen across all commands for their dedication, professionalism and enthusiastic participation in the nationwide exercise.
The simultaneous conduct of the route march across the six NAF commands and other formations, he said, underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a fit, disciplined and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power while working seamlessly with sister services and other security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.