Nigerian Air Force Marks 61st Anniversary with Spectacular Aerial Display Over Lagos

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) dazzled onlookers with a spectacular aerial display on Friday as part of celebrations marking its 61st anniversary. The sky show, held above the Eko Atlantic coastline, drew local and international dignitaries, highlighting Nigeria's growing prominence in regional air defense and military diplomacy.

From the rooftop of the prestigious Eko Hotel, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, watched alongside foreign air chiefs and high-level military delegates gathered in Lagos for the African Air Forces Forum (AAFF).

A fleet of NAF fighter jets and aircraft executed synchronized formation flights, aerial stunts, and tactical maneuvers, showcasing the force’s discipline, combat readiness, and commitment to defending Nigeria’s airspace sovereignty.

“This event is more than just an anniversary celebration; it's a statement of capability, professionalism, and unity in African airpower,” one NAF official noted.

The visual spectacle was met with thunderous applause from guests, which included military attachés, regional defense ministers, and air force commanders from across Africa.

The airshow coincided with the African Air Forces Forum, a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening inter-military cooperation, exchanging strategic insights, and addressing shared continental security challenges.

The Lagos event positioned Nigeria as a regional leader in defense cooperation and innovation, with the NAF reaffirming its role in peacekeeping operations, airspace surveillance, and counterterrorism missions.

“Nigeria continues to be a central player in Africa’s security architecture,” said one attending delegate from Southern Africa.