South African Air Force Chief Commends Nigerian Air Force’s Professionalism

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its professionalism, innovation, and operational excellence, describing it as a model of homegrown airpower development on the African continent.

Mbambo gave the commendation during his official visit to the Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC) in Makurdi, Benue State, on Monday, October 28, 2025.

According to a statement shared on the NAF’s official X handle on Wednesday, the visit was part of ongoing efforts to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen regional airpower collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa.

“The Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated remarkable professionalism and growth, reflecting Africa’s capacity to develop its own airpower solutions,” Mbambo said. “Collaboration between our Air Forces is vital to building a safer and more secure continent.”

The South African Air Force Chief, accompanied by NAF’s Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, was received by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, along with other senior officers.

During the visit, Mbambo was briefed on the structure, capabilities, and contributions of the Command to Nigeria’s air defence and counter-insurgency operations.

In his remarks, Air Vice Marshal Obeya described the visit as “a symbol of unity and professional solidarity between two leading Air Forces on the African continent,” adding that it would pave the way for increased cooperation in training, technology exchange, and joint operations.

“The engagement offers an opportunity to share experiences and foster indigenous solutions to emerging security challenges in Africa,” Obeya said.

The visit featured aerial and static displays at the 131 Engineering Group in Makurdi, showcasing NAF’s growing technical capabilities and operational readiness.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable defence partnerships across Africa through continued collaboration in airpower and security innovation.