Nigerian Air Force Honours Air Marshal HB Abubakar In Grand Fly-Out Ceremony
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, 14 February 2026, honoured the immediate past Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar (Rtd), with a grand Flying-Out Parade at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, marking the conclusion of a distinguished tenure defined by reform, professionalism and institutional growth. Describing the ceremony as one of the highest honours of his career, the retired air chief reaffirmed that the true essence of military service extends beyond platforms and projects, resting firmly on the protection of national peace and security. He urged personnel to remain steadfast in their commitment to duty and to sustain the operational momentum of the Service.
During his nearly two-and-a-half-year leadership, Air Marshal Abubakar advanced a focused transformation agenda aimed at strengthening the NAF into a more agile and resilient force capable of meeting evolving operational demands. His tenure recorded the induction of 15 new aircraft, the reactivation of legacy platforms, and the execution of 589 infrastructure projects nationwide, alongside critical safety enhancements including the installation of an Instrument Landing System at NAF Base Kaduna. The completion of the HQ NAF Annex at Gudu stands as a visible testament to the scale of institutional progress achieved under his stewardship.
Reflecting on his journey, the former CAS paid tribute to fallen heroes and acknowledged the unwavering support of families whose sacrifices underpin operational readiness. He credited the achievements of his tenure to collective effort, recognising his wife, Dr Rakiya Abubakar, his 39 Regular Course mates, and personnel across all ranks. He also commended the progress recorded under the current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressing confidence in the Service’s forward trajectory and reaffirming his lifelong loyalty to the unity, security and sovereignty of Nigeria.
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