By Victor Akaa
In a significant move to bolster national defence, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity as a vital component of operational readiness.
Director Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the Nigerian Air Force considered cyber security vital to boost its operational efficiency and digital resilience.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasized the crucial role of digital resilience in safeguarding the nation from the devastating impact of cyber threats, comparable to the destructive power of physical warfare.
Speaking on the evolving landscape of warfare, the CAS noted that as warfare becomes increasingly technology-driven, cybersecurity has emerged as a fundamental aspect of national defence.
He said the NAF recognizes the importance of protecting critical systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and the NAF Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), from potential cyber threats.
He noted that a proactive measures have been taken to address these concerns, through the launching of a Cybersecurity Awareness Training Programme, to align with Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy.
Air Marshal Abubakar said the initiative promotes the establishment of incident response teams and cybersecurity operations centres to ensure prompt responses to cyber incidents.
Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the need for personnel to treat cybersecurity as a shared duty, adopting proactive measures at all operational levels.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and praised the Communications and Information Systems team for organizing the initiative.
He noted the sophistication of modern cyber threats and emphasized that safeguarding the nation extends beyond securing airspace to protecting essential data and communication networks critical to mission success.
Earlier, the Chief of Communications and Information Systems, Air Vice Marshal SK Usman highlighted the training’s significance in protecting Nigeria’s digital and operational security.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, the NAF demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the nation’s defence and operational readiness in the face of emerging threats, Enugu Reporters gathered.
