CAS REINFORCES LOGISTICS READINESS, DEEPENS LAGOS PARTNERSHIP, COMMISSIONS WELFARE PROJECTS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), commenced a 3-day operational visit to Logistics Command, Lagos, from 2 February 2026, to assess the readiness of personnel, equipment and critical facilities supporting ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. 

The visit underscored the decisive role of logistics in modern warfare, where sustained airpower projection depends on a resilient supply chain, maintenance efficiency and a highly motivated workforce. 

The CAS emphasised that operational success is inseparable from logistics strength, noting that the tempo and reach of NAF air operations are sustained by a robust logistics architecture capable of supporting nationwide missions

As part of the visit, the CAS paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Lagos State Government. He described Lagos as pivotal to the operational framework of the Service, hosting Logistics Command and several key NAF establishments that sustain air operations across the country. The CAS stated, “Lagos remains central to our capacity to project airpower nationwide. 

The efficiency of our operations is closely linked to the stability, cooperation and strong support we continue to enjoy within the state.” He commended the Governor’s leadership and investments in infrastructure and security, observing that a secure Lagos is vital to Nigeria’s economic stability and national development.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to sustaining close cooperation with the Armed Forces. He noted that security remains fundamental to the state’s economic growth and social stability, stating, “Lagos will continue to work hand in hand with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to preserve the safety of our people and protect the strategic importance of our state to the nation.” 

The CAS also acknowledged the synergy between the NAF and Lagos State in joint security operations, particularly under Operation MESA, where air surveillance and intelligence capabilities complement the efforts of sister services and security agencies, strengthening the overall security architecture of the state.

During the commissioning ceremony of infrastructure projects at 055 NAF Camp, Legico Barracks, the CAS reaffirmed that personnel welfare remains a strategic pillar of operational readiness. 

He stated, “Our commitment to personnel welfare is deliberate and unwavering. A highly motivated force is the foundation of mission success, and today’s projects reflect our command philosophy to enhance and sustain a professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.” 

He added that the growing logistics demands of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations require sustained investment in infrastructure that directly supports morale and efficiency.

The commissioned projects comprise 2 blocks of 24 two-bedroom flats, a block of 40 one-bedroom flats and a purpose-built sports complex designed to promote fitness and wellbeing. The CAS described the facilities as a significant improvement over traditional barracks standards and noted that Legico Barracks, located in a prime residential area of Lagos State, now ranks among the most dignified residential environments for Service personnel nationwide. 

“Adequate housing reduces welfare pressures, stabilises the home front and allows our personnel to focus fully on operational duties,” he said. He commended his predecessor, Air Marshal HB Abubakar (rtd), for initiating the project and urged occupants to maintain a strong culture of discipline and ownership.

Expressing gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Assembly for their fiscal support, the CAS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering backing of the Nigerian Air Force. He charged officers, airmen and airwomen to remain disciplined ambassadors of the Service and to nurture harmonious relationships with host communities and sister security agencies. 

The visit, he emphasised, reflects a deliberate integration of logistics readiness, welfare investment and intergovernmental cooperation as a unified force multiplier, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to remaining agile, resilient and fully mission-ready in defending national security.