The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has emphasized that cybersecurity is critical to the success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the 21st century.
He highlighted that the sanctity of data, operational readiness, and national security depend on the resilience of the Force’s cybersecurity framework.
Air Marshal Abubakar made this statement during the Cybersecurity Awareness Training organized for NAF personnel on Tuesday, underscoring that cybersecurity is not just an IT concern but a foundational aspect of NAF’s mission success.
“Cybersecurity is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success,” he said. “The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.”
The CAS noted that the increasing reliance on cutting-edge technology in NAF operations makes the Force vulnerable to potential cyber threats, citing the risks posed to critical systems like unmanned aerial vehicles, the bespoke Nigerian Air Force Integrated Management System (NAFIMS), and the Digital Correspondence (DIGCO) application, also known as the ‘Paperless System.’
“These systems face risks of data breaches, communication disruptions, and operational compromise. For example, secure digital communications for unmanned aerial vehicles are vital to prevent hijacking or disruptions,” he explained.
In line with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, which mandates the creation of sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) and Cyber Security Operations Centers (SOCs), the NAF has restructured its Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Branch. The branch now includes a Cybersecurity Operations Cell (COC) within the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT).
Abubakar reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to the national cybersecurity vision and urged participants to embrace cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, integrating it into their daily operations.
“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure. Each of us, whether at the command level or within operational units, must adopt a mindset prioritizing security at every level,” he stated.
The workshop, designed to enhance NAF’s cyber defence capabilities, aims to equip personnel with advanced knowledge and practical skills to safeguard sensitive information and respond proactively to evolving cyber threats.
The Chief of Information and Communications Systems, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman, described the training as essential to NAF’s mission to secure its information networks.
“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, and as the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernize its operations, the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures has become ostensible,” Suleiman said. “We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications, and systems integral to every mission’s success.”
