The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has called for deeper collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, stressing that national security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime demand unified action.
Speaking at the Air Provost Conference 2025 in Jos, Abubakar told heads and representatives of sister security agencies that their presence reinforced the “undeniable truth that national security is a collective responsibility.”
“We must continue to dismantle institutional barriers and operate as one unified force for the security of our nation,” the Air Chief said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), particularly the Air Provost, to strengthening inter-agency bonds through intelligence sharing, crime detection, coordinated operations, and joint capacity building. Describing the Air Provost as “the custodians of discipline and guardians of installations,” Abubakar highlighted their central role in both internal order and wider operational success.
NATIONAL SECURITY REQUIRES SUSTAINED COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST BORDERLESS THREATS — CAS
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has called for sustained synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies, stressing that national security is a shared duty that… pic.twitter.com/PKZq7VvvUz
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) September 8, 2025
To boost their capabilities, the CAS announced a series of new initiatives, including the establishment of a forensic and digital crime laboratory at the Air Police Training Centre in Jos, the acquisition of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) for K9 units, and the recruitment of 100 Air Police personnel annually over the next five years. He also disclosed improvements to guard room facilities, the construction of new Provost squadrons, and the completion of student accommodation at the Air Police Training Centre in Kerang.
Abubakar further emphasised the importance of training to address evolving threats, particularly in cyber warfare and digital forensics, to ensure that the Air Provost is equipped to protect critical digital infrastructure. He urged participants to seize the opportunity of the conference to “learn, collaborate, and shape policies that will enhance training and operations across all NAF formations.”
The CAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unwavering support” of the Nigerian Air Force, commended the Directorate of Air Provost for organising the event after a seven-year break, and reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. “Our personnel will continue to be law-abiding, while upholding justice and respect for civil authority,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Sani, underscored the importance of the Air Provost in maintaining discipline, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding NAF infrastructure. He noted that this year’s theme, “Leveraging Technology, Collaboration, Capacity Building and Training for Enhanced AP Duties in a Dynamic Security Environment,” reflected the need to equip personnel with the tools and strategies to remain effective in an evolving security landscape.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau, praised the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for sustaining peace in the state.
In his remarks, the Air Provost Marshal, AVM J.A. Usman, thanked the CAS for his guidance and support, saying the conference had renewed the Directorate’s resolve to harness technology, foster collaboration, and build capacity.
The three-day event features paper presentations and interactive sessions linking theory with field experience. Papers were presented on Day One by AVM K.G. Lar (rtd) and Professor Etannibi Alemika, while Day Two is expected to feature contributions from AIG Emeka Nwonyi Polycarp, Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos, and Professor Kursim Leonard.
The Air Provost serves as the policing arm of the Nigerian Air Force, tasked with enforcing discipline, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding personnel, bases, and installations. Similar to the Army’s Military Police, it investigates offences, protects sensitive facilities, and supports operations by securing air assets and classified information.
