Nigerian Air Force
From Roach Busters
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air arm of the Nigerian military. It was established in January 1964. With an estimated 70,000 personnel and over 750 aircraft, it is the largest air force on the entire African continent. Owing to Nigeria's non-alignment in foreign affairs, the NAF flies a wide variety of aircraft from virtually every major power, regardless of ideology. Air Marshal Paul Dike serves as the current Chief of Air Staff, and has held this position since 2006.
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History
Although the Air Force was originally proposed in 1958, many lawmakers preferred to rely on the United Kingdom for air defense. But during peacekeeping operations in Congo and Tanganyika, the Nigerian Army had no air transport of their own, and in so 1962 the government began to recruit cadets for pilot training in various foreign countries, with the first 10 learning from the Ethiopian Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force was formally established in January 1964 with technical assistance from West Germany. The air force started life as a transport unit with aircrew being trained in Canada, Ethiopia and India.
The head of the West German Assistance Group was Colonel G. Kahz, and he became the first commander of the NAF. The nucleus of the NAF was thus established with the formation of the Nigerian Air Force headquarters at the Ministry of Defense.
Chiefs of the Air Staff
The following have served as Chief of the Air Staff, the senior appointment in the Nigerian Air Force:
| Year | Rank | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1963-1965 | Colonel | Gerhard Kahtz |
| 1965-1966 | Colonel | W. Timming |
| 1966-1967 | Lieutenant Colonel | George Tamunosyowunam Kurubo |
| 1967 - 1969 | Colonel | Shittu A. Alao |
| 1969 - 1975 | Brigadier | Emmanuel E. Ikwue |
| 1975 - 1980 | Air Vice-Marshal | John Nmadu Yisa-Doko |
| 1980 - 1983 | Air Vice-Marshal | Abdullahi Dominic Bello |
| 1983 - 1990 | Air Marshal | Ibrahim Mahmud Alfa |
| 1990 - 1992 | Air Vice-Marshal | Nuraini Oladimeji Omotosho Yussuff |
| 1992 - 1993 | Air Marshal | Akin Dada |
| 1993 - 1996 | Air Vice Marshal | Femi John Femi |
| 1996 - 1999 | Air Marshal | Nsikak-Abasi Essien Eduok |
| 1999 - 2001 | Air Marshal | Isaac Mohammed Alfa |
| 2001 - 2006 | Air Marshal | Jonah Wuyep |
| 2006 - | Air Marshal | Paul Dike |
Ranks shown are those held whilst the officer was commanding the NAF.
Rank structure
The NAF's rank structure is similar RAF's rank structure from where its ranks were derived.
Officers
In descending order of importance the NAF officer ranks are:
- Marshal of the Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Vice Marshal
- Air Commodore
- Group Captain
- Wing Commander
- Squadron Leader
- Flight Lieutenant
- Flying Officer
- Pilot Officer
Airmen
In descending order of importance the NAF airman ranks are:
- Air Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Flight Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
- Aircraftman
Aircraft inventory
Fighters
to be added
Ground attack
to be added
Transport
to be added
Utility
to be added
Trainers
to be added
