The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged youths from the South-West and South-East to actively enlist in the military, emphasizing their critical role in fostering national unity and strengthening the armed forces’ diversity. Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of the 115 Operations Group in Port Harcourt, made the appeal during the NAF’s inaugural Open Day event, part of its 2025 NAF Day celebrations aimed at bridging regional enlistment gaps.
Opaleye expressed concern over the low participation of southern youths, stressing that the military “belongs to every Nigerian” and requires broad representation to reflect the nation’s unity. “Declining enlistment from the South is alarming. The NAF is the people’s Air Force, and all citizens must contribute to its success,” he stated. The event welcomed over 1,000 guests to tour NAF facilities, showcasing its operational capabilities and encouraging southern youths to “seize this opportunity to join.”
Highlighting modernization efforts under Chief of Air Staff Hassan Abubakar, Opaleye noted the NAF’s enhanced readiness, including the recent induction of 35 new pilots in Kaduna, which bolstered air combat and surveillance operations. He detailed ongoing joint missions across conflict zones in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-East, underscoring the force’s adaptability in diverse terrains.
The commander also reported strides in curbing oil theft in the Niger Delta, crediting collaborative air-ground operations. “While challenges like swamps and creeks hinder ground forces, NAF airstrikes disrupt illegal activities, enabling safer interventions,” he explained, citing reduced bunkering due to sustained aerial surveillance.
Opaleye reiterated the Open Day’s goal to deepen civil-military ties and demystify the NAF’s role in national security. “Understanding our operations fosters public trust and inspires patriotism,” he added, calling for a united front against threats to Nigeria’s stability.
