The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on young people from the South-West and South-East regions to consider joining the military in order to promote national unity and inclusivity. The call was made by Group Captain Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of the 115 Operations Group, NAF Port Harcourt, during the maiden Open Day event marking the 2025 NAF Day celebration.
Opaleye expressed concern over the low representation of youths from Nigeria’s southern regions in the armed forces, stressing that their inclusion would enhance diversity and strengthen national cohesion. According to him, the military is a symbol of unity, and every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or regional background, has a role to play in defending the country.
“It is concerning that Nigerians from the southern part of the country have not been presenting themselves to join the military, as they should. The military, including the Air Force, belongs to every Nigerian,” Opaleye said, urging the public to actively participate in strengthening the armed forces.
The NAF Commander revealed that the declining number of southern recruits was one of the driving factors behind the Open Day initiative. The event was designed to give the public an opportunity to tour NAF facilities and learn more about its capabilities.
“Today, we have opened our base to over 1,000 guests to experience what the NAF represents. The NAF is the people’s Air Force,” Opaleye said. He encouraged southern youths to seize the opportunity and join the Air Force, noting that their involvement would help ensure a more representative and effective military.
Opaleye explained that the Open Day was not only aimed at recruitment but also at fostering better civil-military relations. The event allowed the public to witness the critical role of the NAF in securing Nigeria’s airspace and contributing to national security.
The Commander highlighted that under the leadership of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the NAF had been repositioned as a modern and highly capable force equipped to protect Nigeria’s airspace. The NAF has been actively involved in joint military operations across several regions, including the North West, North East, North Central, and South East.
“The NAF possesses the requisite capabilities, manpower, and training to effectively fulfil its constitutional mandate in defending Nigeria’s airspace,” Opaleye said. He also shared that recent efforts to increase the NAF’s operational capacity included the successful graduation of 35 new pilots in Kaduna, which further bolstered their ability to execute joint operations across the country.
Opaleye also addressed the issue of illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta region, noting significant progress in curbing these activities. He attributed the decline in oil theft to joint security efforts, supported by the NAF’s air operations.
“Despite the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta—swamps, creeks, and mangroves—the NAF has been able to support ground forces in the region. Where the Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Police struggle to reach, the NAF is able to access these areas,” Opaleye explained.
He emphasized that the NAF’s strategic air operations created an enabling environment for ground forces to effectively carry out their duties, even in challenging terrains that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Opaleye’s remarks underscored the importance of national unity and inclusivity within the armed forces. By encouraging youths from the southern parts of Nigeria to join the military, the NAF hopes to create a more balanced representation that reflects the diversity of the country. This initiative also aims to foster stronger ties between the military and the civilian population, ensuring that all Nigerians feel invested in the security and success of the nation.
As the NAF continues to expand its capabilities and increase its presence across Nigeria, the call for greater involvement from youths in the South remains an essential part of the conversation on national security.
