Abuja — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday conducted its 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise across all Commands and formations nationwide, reaffirming its resolve to sustain a highly disciplined, physically fit, and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The exercise, which took place simultaneously across the Service, saw the participation of officers, airmen, and airwomen at NAF Headquarters Abuja and other formations spread across the country.
Among the commands that participated were the Tactical Air Command, Makurdi; Special Operations Command, Bauchi; Mobility Command, Bayelsa State; Air Training Command, Kaduna; Ground Training Command, Enugu; and Logistics Command, Lagos, alongside several other NAF units and establishments.
Addressing personnel at the conclusion of the exercise at Headquarters NAF Camp Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the route march was a critical component of the Service’s efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain high professional standards.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the CAS noted that the exercise reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that its personnel remain physically and mentally prepared for the demands of modern military operations.
He observed that contemporary security threats require a force that is not only technologically equipped but also physically resilient and capable of operating efficiently in diverse operational environments.
According to him, the route march contributes significantly to building endurance, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among personnel, qualities essential for successful mission execution.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that maintaining peak physical fitness remains a key requirement for personnel engaged in ongoing military operations and other national security assignments across the country.
The CAS also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his continued support towards enhancing the capabilities and transformation of the Nigerian Air Force.
He commended officers, airmen, and airwomen across the various commands and formations for their commitment and enthusiastic participation, describing their dedication as a reflection of the Service’s professionalism and readiness.
“The route march exercise is an important aspect of our force development initiatives. It is designed to improve endurance, discipline, resilience, and overall combat readiness, which are indispensable in today’s operational environment,” he said.
The simultaneous conduct of the exercise nationwide, he added, demonstrates the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
The Nigerian Air Force further reiterated its determination to continue working closely with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and other security agencies in addressing terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other threats to peace and stability across the country.
The Service maintained that sustained training and physical conditioning remain vital to achieving its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting efforts aimed at securing the nation.
