By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing operational capacity through strategic international partnerships following a high-level visit by the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Marshal Zaeem Afzal. The visit took place on 22 April 2026 at the Headquarters of the NAF in Abuja, where he was received by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The engagement highlighted ongoing efforts by the NAF to leverage global alliances to boost mission effectiveness, interoperability, and sustained air power delivery in support of national security objectives. Speaking during the visit, Air Marshal Aneke described the engagement as both timely and impactful, noting that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and Pakistan continues to yield tangible benefits in training, capacity development, and operational performance.
He stressed the need to expand existing cooperation frameworks while exploring new areas of collaboration that would enhance efficiency and promote self-reliance. According to him, the evolving security environment requires deeper synergy among allied air forces to ensure responsiveness and operational readiness in addressing emerging threats. He also commended the Pakistan Air Force for its consistent support in improving the professional competence of NAF personnel.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Zaeem Afzal lauded the professionalism of the Nigerian Air Force and expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation. He described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, reaffirming the commitment of the Pakistan Air Force to strengthening existing ties and pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes.
The visit, attended by senior NAF officers and Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, further underscores the shared resolve of both air forces to deepen strategic collaboration in support of regional stability and global security.
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