The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has intensified efforts to enhance the physical fitness and operational readiness of its personnel as part of measures to strengthen the fight against banditry, terrorism and other security threats in the country
The Commander, 119 Composite Group, Sokoto, Group Capt. Nanly Harry Gumut, stated this shortly after leading personnel of the group on a third-quarter route march in Sokoto.
Gumut said; “the exercise was designed to boost troops’ morale, improve physical fitness and sharpen their preparedness to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.”
“As Air Force personnel, you are expected to be smart and carry out your duties effectively. If you are unhealthy, you will not be able to discharge your responsibilities as required.
“Exercise is very important for the wellbeing of every Air Force personnel, so we will continue to give priority to the fitness of our personnel to enable us overcome security challenges in the country,” he said.
The commander who was represented by the Squadron Leader Abiodun Olawale, Commanding Officer, Regiment wing and Commanding Officer, Base Service wing urged personnel to make regular physical exercise part of their routine, stressing that fitness remained critical to alertness, endurance and operational efficiency.
He said the command would continue to explore avenues to sustain the fitness and professional competence of its personnel in line with their constitutional responsibilities.
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Gumut commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for his support and commitment toward ensuring effective training and improved operational capabilities of NAF personnel.
He also commended the troops for their resilience, dedication and commitment to duty, assuring them of continued support to enable them achieve greater successes in ongoing operations.
Gumut noted that NAF has sustained air operations across the North-West, including Sokoto State, in support of efforts by security agencies to degrade bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements threatening communities in the region.
He stressed that the service has intensified surveillance and air operations over vulnerable areas, complementing ground operations aimed at protecting lives and property and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
Gumut said; “the route march formed part of the NAF’s broader physical fitness programme designed to keep personnel combat-ready and capable of responding to operational demands at all times.”
The NAF Commander reaffirmed the commitment of the 119 Composite Group to collaborating with other security agencies toward restoring peace and security and creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens in the North-West and other parts of the country.
