Inflation and Youth Unemployment Driving Insecurity, Says Air Chief

On Wednesday, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, attributed the nation’s security challenges to high inflation, youth unemployment, and a harsh economy. Following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the currency, coupled with an inflation rate of 33.95%, the masses have faced significant hardships.

Speaking at a meeting with Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding in Abuja, Abubakar emphasized the need to review their performance. He noted, “The harsh economic realities: high rate of youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and high multi-dimensional poverty have further aggravated the security situation in the country. Therefore, it is crucial that we have this leadership meeting to holistically review our performances and actions in the past 12 months in transforming the Nigerian Air Force to effectively meet the air power demands of Nigeria’s security.”

Abubakar also highlighted the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on global food prices and living costs, particularly in vulnerable economies like Nigeria, which in turn fuels insecurity. “The Russian-Ukraine war created a significant economic disruption that negatively affected world food prices and led to higher costs of living, especially in vulnerable economies such as Nigeria. These dire economic situations fuel insecurity. And for the Nigerian Air Force, the Russia-Ukraine War has constrained our sourcing of aircraft spares and maintenance of the Mi-series helicopters that are crucial in our counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency operations,” he said.

Additionally, Abubakar addressed the adverse effects of military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on regional security. “The upsurge in coup d’états and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS have negative impacts on our collective regional security architecture. Citing the failure of ECOWAS to address jihadist violence in their countries, the military junta has turned to Russia for security assistance,” he explained.

He warned that the withdrawal of UN and Chadian troops from Mali, as well as Niger Republic troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force, could lead to an influx of weapons and terrorists into Nigeria, complicating counterinsurgency efforts. “Additionally, the withdrawals of UN troops from MINUSMA, 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Niger Republic troops from the Multi-National Joint Task Force could aggravate the security challenges in the Sahel Region, causing the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria. Invariably, this situation militates against our counterinsurgency efforts,” Abubakar stated.