Today, June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate retirement of all Nigeria’s military chiefs and named replacements for them.
The President also relieved the head of Customs, Hameed Ali, of his position and named a replacement.
According to a statement by his office, the president also named a new Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Bala Abubakar.
Who is Hassan Bala Abubakar?
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, born on September 11, 1970, is the newly appointed Nigerian Chief of Air Staff. He hails from Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State.
He began his career in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 39 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992.
Courses Attended and Qualifications
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar has a distinguished educational and training background, including:
Bachelor of Science Degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna.
Ab initio and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School Kaduna.
Basic and Advance Airborne Courses at Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School Jaji.
Company Amphibious Operations Course at Nigerian Army Infantry Center and School in Calabar.
Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji.
National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU Zaria.
Hassan Bala Abubakar’s Previous Appointments
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar has held various significant appointments throughout his career. Some of his notable positions include:
Admin Officer, 16 Engineering Wing, 1 Engineering Group NAF Makurdi.
Officer Commanding Admin Services Flight/Group Public Relations Officer, 97 Special Operations Group NAF Port Harcourt.
Officer Commanding Yellow Squadron – Air Force Military School Jos.
Admin Officer Primary Flying Training Wing – 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
SO1 Admin 301 FTS NAF Kaduna.
Officer Commanding ‘B’ Squadron (Do 228) – 81 Air Maritime Group NAF Benin.
Team Leader MILOB Team Site 615 Mahagi (Ituri Brigade) MONUC.
Aviation Planning Officer, MONUC Air Operations Kinshasa, DRC.
Commanding Officer Base Services Wing 81 Air Maritime Group Nigerian Air Force Benin.
Operations Officer Operational Conversion Unit 88 Military Airlift Group Nigerian Air Force Lagos.
Operations Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos.
Commanding Officer 21 Wing 88 Military Airlift Group Lagos.
Group Safety Officer 88 Military Airlift Group Ikeja Lagos.
Fleet Operation Officer – 011 Presidential Air Fleet.
Commander 011 Presidential Air Fleet.
Chief of Staff, Mobility Command.
Director of Policy, HQ NAF.
Director of Operations, HQ NAF.
Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.
Currently Chief of Standards and Operations, HQ NAF.
Hassan Bala Abubakar Awards/Decorations
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar has been honored with several awards and decorations, including:
Distinguished Service Star.
Passed Staff Course (psc).
Fellow Defence College.
Masters in International Affairs.
Member National Institute of Management.
Member Chartered Institute of Public Management.
Member Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals.
Hassan Bala Abubakar Marital Status and Hobbies
Air Vice Marshal HB Abubakar is happily married and has children. During his leisure time, he enjoys flying airplanes, reading, reflecting, and keeping fit.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar will brings wealth of experience and expertise to his role as the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff. His extensive training, diverse appointments, and numerous accolades demonstrate his dedication and commitment to serving his country.
With his leadership and strategic capabilities, he is poised to contribute significantly to the advancement and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.