By Destiny Obinna
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up efforts to strengthen its combat readiness with a nationwide route march exercise designed to enhance the physical fitness, resilience and operational preparedness of its personnel.
The Third Quarter Route March Exercise, which was conducted simultaneously across NAF formations and units nationwide on Saturday, September 12, 2026, is part of measures to ensure the Service remains prepared to respond effectively to terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats to national security.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
Speaking at NAF Camp Abuja on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, said the exercise demonstrated the NAF’s determination to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
Amadi stressed that physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and teamwork were critical to mission success across the various theatres of operation.
According to him, the quarterly route march was not merely a physical exercise but a strategic initiative aimed at preparing personnel for the demanding conditions associated with military operations while strengthening cohesion and esprit de corps within the Service.
He added that the exercise complemented the NAF’s broader efforts to improve combat effectiveness through continuous training, capacity development and personnel welfare programmes.
The Chief of the Air Staff commended officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian personnel for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to the discharge of their duties.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for the NAF and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to sustaining initiatives that strengthen operational readiness, effectively project air power and contribute to the defence, security and stability of the nation.
