The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing the safe rescue of the Oyo school victims abducted by gunmen in recent attacks. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja, stating that the service remains fully engaged in ongoing security operations across the country.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns over the safety of pupils and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in Oyo State. Security agencies have intensified efforts to locate and rescue the victims as part of broader operations against criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and related crimes.
The commitment was announced during the Nigerian Air Force’s second-quarter 2026 route march exercise, an event organised to promote physical fitness, discipline, and operational readiness among personnel.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, Air Marshal Aneke said the Air Force would continue to work closely with other security agencies to protect lives and property while advancing national security objectives.
According to him, the service remains committed to supporting operations designed to secure the release of the Oyo school victims and strengthen security across affected communities.
The Air Chief explained that the route march exercise highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy and physically fit workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern military operations. He stated that personnel fitness remains a critical component of operational effectiveness and mission success, noting that physically prepared personnel are better positioned to contribute to national security efforts.
Aneke further said the exercise encouraged teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps, and overall wellness among officers and personnel. He added that such activities help strengthen the bonds necessary for efficient service delivery and operational performance.
The Air Force leadership has also directed personnel to actively participate in weekly Wednesday sporting activities across NAF formations and bases nationwide. According to the Chief of the Air Staff, the initiative is intended to promote physical fitness, social cohesion, and talent discovery for future Armed Forces of Nigeria sporting competitions.
He noted that regular participation in sporting activities would also help discourage distractions that could affect personnel performance and professional responsibilities.
The Air Force’s renewed commitment reflects ongoing collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies in responding to kidnapping incidents and other security challenges. The pledge regarding the Oyo school victims underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in rescue operations and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Military authorities have consistently emphasised that operational readiness, personnel welfare, and strategic partnerships remain essential to addressing security threats across the country.
The Nigerian Air Force has assured Nigerians that efforts to secure the safe rescue of Oyo school victims remain a priority. As security agencies continue ongoing operations, the service says it will maintain close cooperation with other agencies while strengthening its operational capabilities through personnel development and fitness programmes.
