"We Can't Bomb Our Way to Peace in Nigeria" – Air Marshal Abubakar
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| Air Marshal Abubakar |
Insecurity in Nigeria: A Complex Battle Beyond Airstrikes
Over 2,000 Nigerians lost their lives to violence between January and April this year, with thousands more kidnapped for ransom. In the North East, Boko Haram has reemerged, raising urgent questions about the nation's security strategy. Addressing these issues, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stressed that military might alone cannot bring lasting peace to Nigeria.
Why the North East Is Still Under Siege
Abubakar acknowledged the resurgence of insurgency in the North East and emphasized that insurgencies, once they gain ground, are notoriously difficult to eliminate quickly. He recalled that in 2023, many terrorists surrendered following intensified military operations, and the region saw a significant decline in activity. But the threat has returned — a sign that defeating terrorism goes beyond battlefield victories.
The Real Cost of War
Highlighting the financial burden of military operations, Abubakar revealed that deploying a single armed drone can cost over $300,000 — with one missile priced at $150,000 and each bomb at nearly $100,000. This doesn't include the cost of aircraft maintenance, fuel, and operational logistics, which can reach $30,000 per flight hour depending on the aircraft type.
“Our resources are limited. We can’t justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to take out a handful of terrorists every time. This is why precision, intelligence, and coordination are critical,” he said.
The Limits of Military Power
According to the Air Marshal, only about 25-30% of the solution to insecurity lies in military action. The remaining 70-75% must come from addressing root causes — poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and poor infrastructure.
He advocated a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach, where military efforts are complemented by socioeconomic interventions and civilian support. “Even if the military succeeds temporarily, without solving the core problems, the violence will return,” he warned.
Building Bridges Through Civil-Military Relations
The Nigerian Air Force is taking steps to connect more deeply with local communities through medical outreaches, educational support, and civil projects. Abubakar said these efforts are aimed at building trust and showing that the military is not just a combat force but also a partner in peace and development.
Technology and the Changing Face of Warfare
Terrorist groups are now deploying drones, and the Air Force is responding by investing in technology and artificial intelligence. “We are adapting to the evolving battlefield,” Abubakar noted, pointing to a new partnership with the University of Bradford for AI research and training.
He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive radar system to protect Nigeria’s airspace, a project that remains incomplete. “Currently, only the civilian component of the radar network is functional. We need a military-grade radar system to detect threats at all levels — low, mid, and high altitude,” he said.
Responding to Attacks: Why Speed Is Not Always Possible
On why the Air Force doesn’t always respond instantly to attacks like the recent one in Marte, Borno State, Abubakar explained that operational synergy is still evolving. The Air Force has established an Air-Ground Integration School to improve coordination with the Army and other services. However, full integration is a work in progress.
“There are still some logistical and technical challenges we cannot discuss publicly, but efforts are being made to overcome them,” he stated.
Manpower and Recruitment Challenges
The Air Marshal also addressed the need for more personnel in the Air Force. While recruitment has been approved, he cautioned that bringing in new recruits is not as simple as it sounds. “We must ensure we can train, accommodate, and equip them. Poorly trained or ill-equipped personnel can become liabilities,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar's message is clear: defeating terrorism in Nigeria requires more than bombs and bullets. It demands a united, multi-sectoral effort that combines military precision with economic development, community engagement, and advanced technology. Peace, he insists, is a shared responsibility — one that goes beyond the frontlines.
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