The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted its Third Quarter Route March Exercise simultaneously across its formations and units nationwide as part of efforts to enhance operational readiness and strengthen national security.
The exercise, held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, was designed to maintain a physically fit, mentally resilient and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges.
Speaking at NAF Camp Abuja on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, said the exercise underscored the NAF’s determination to sustain a high level of operational readiness in support of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats to national security.
Amadi stressed that physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and teamwork remained critical to mission success across the various theatres of operation.
The Chief of the Air Staff said the quarterly route march was a strategic initiative aimed at preparing personnel for the physical demands of military operations while promoting cohesion and esprit de corps within the Service.
He added that the exercise complemented the NAF’s wider efforts to improve combat effectiveness through continuous training, capacity development and personnel welfare programmes.
Aneke commended officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian personnel for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The NAF chief reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening operational readiness, effectively projecting air power and contributing decisively to the defence, security and stability of Nigeria.
