Morale, Cohesion Key to Military Success, Air Chief Says

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has emphasized that the foundation of military effectiveness lies not only in modern weaponry but in transformation, innovation, and the unwavering “will to fight” of personnel.

Speaking at the Third Quarter 2025 Defence Headquarters and Services Transformation Seminar in Abuja on Thursday, Abubakar said intangible assets such as loyalty, resilience, and unit cohesion ultimately determine victory on the battlefield.

The seminar, themed “Galvanizing the Will to Fight: Issues and Transformative Solutions for the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” brought together senior defence officials and officers from across the services to discuss strategies for enhancing operational effectiveness.

“While modern technology and welfare are critical, morale and cohesion remain the cornerstones of success. The will to fight encompasses psychological stability, physical fitness, ideological conviction, and confidence in leadership,” the Air Chief said, quoting German military strategist General Erwin Rommel: “The best form of welfare for troops is first-class training.”

Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted the revival of the Nigerian Air Force Surveillance Aircraft (NAFSA) Eagle Project — a light, multi-role utility aircraft aimed at boosting self-reliance in aerospace technology. “This initiative underscores our commitment to domestic innovation and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” he said.

He further stated that personnel who contribute innovative solutions through research and development will continue to receive incentives to encourage creativity across the service.

On welfare, the CAS noted improvements across NAF bases, including new housing projects, upgraded medical facilities, comprehensive insurance coverage, enhanced logistics support, and procurement of over 70 new vehicles in the past year. He added that full kitting of personnel and institutionalized fitness initiatives have strengthened physical readiness.

Air Vice Marshal A.H. Amesinlola, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Headquarters NAF, lauded participants for their commitment to driving reforms within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He described the seminar as a vital platform for collaboration, intellectual exchange, and the development of innovative approaches to complex security challenges.

Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for consistently providing modern platforms and creating an enabling environment for security operations. “This seminar is another milestone in our collective effort to strengthen national defence. I urge participants to deliberate productively and deliver outcomes that will consolidate the will to fight,” he said.