By Ahmed Ahmed
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Bauchi, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Usman Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to leveraging innovation and research as strategic tools to combat security challenges across Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2025 Special Operations Command Intra-Command Research and Development (R&D) Competition held on Wednesday in Bauchi, AVM Abdullahi stressed the importance of innovation in enhancing air operations.
The event, themed “Optimizing Civil-Military Cooperation in Research and Development for Enhanced Air Operations,” brought together units under the Special Operations Command to showcase inventive solutions.
“Research and development are the engines of societal progress and innovation,” he stated.
“They are instrumental in expanding our operational capabilities and ensuring we are equipped to respond effectively to threats in various regions.”
AVM Abdullahi acknowledged the gains the Nigerian Air Force has recorded through its R&D initiatives, noting that these efforts have significantly strengthened the country’s air power and national defense posture.
He said the competition reflects the strategic direction of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, whose leadership philosophy emphasizes prioritizing R&D, adopting advanced technology, fostering strategic partnerships, and integrating lessons learned.
Emphasizing the role of human capital, Abdullahi noted that, “The more knowledgeable our personnel, the more efficiently our systems can perform.”
He encouraged officers to remain committed to developing sustainable solutions that will serve both the NAF and the nation.
The AOC praised the annual R&D competitions both intra- and inter-command as vital platforms for generating innovative ideas that address maintenance and operational challenges within the service.
He commended the CAS for his continued support and visionary leadership, describing the competition as a strategic move to harness the intellectual potential of NAF personnel.
Ten units participated in this year’s intra-command contest, with 213 units emerging as the overall winner. 232 Unit and 211 Unit secured second and third places, respectively.
The event also served as a preparatory platform for the upcoming Nigerian Air Force Inter-Command Research and Development Competition, scheduled to take place during the NAF at 61 anniversary celebrations in May 2025.
Delivering remarks as the Guest of Honour, the Chief of Transformations and Innovation, AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola, represented by AVM Henry Yurkusi urged participants to refine their innovations and continue exploring technological solutions to address national security concerns.
“Go back, review the observations made, and improve your research ahead of the next stage.
“The Nigerian Air Force is fully committed to supporting genuine proposals that offer practical solutions to the country’s security challenges,”he advised.
