The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced plans to account for and retrieve service-issued firearms from retired personnel, in line with the Firearms Act and national security regulations.
The announcement was made during a parley with NAF veterans in Abuja on Saturday, where Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, was represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins. The initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with existing firearms laws while safeguarding the personal security of senior veterans.
Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that the Air Force is also exploring the creation of a regulated armoury system. Under this proposed arrangement, eligible retired personnel could lawfully retain approved firearm calibres, subject to strict regulatory oversight.
He reassured veterans that the process would respect their welfare and contributions to the service. “Veteran administration is capital-intensive, and we value the insights shared today, including international best practices such as the Australian model. The Nigerian Air Force remains at the forefront among the Services in institutionalising structured veteran engagement”, Aneke said.
The meeting also allowed the Air Force to brief veterans on ongoing initiatives, including welfare reforms and youth empowerment programmes, while gathering feedback on issues affecting retired personnel.
The discussions form part of the NAF’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening veteran administration and improving compliance with national security regulations.
