The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted its Third Quarter Route March Exercise simultaneously across its formations and units nationwide to strengthen combat readiness and enhance its capacity to respond effectively to Nigeria’s security challenges.

The exercise, which was held across the country, focused on improving the physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and teamwork of NAF personnel.

The development was disclosed by the Nigerian Air Force via its official X account on Saturday.

SEE ALSO: Battle Intensifies to Replace Adeyeye at NAFDAC

Speaking at NAF Camp Abuja on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, stressed the importance of maintaining a physically and mentally prepared force.

Amadi highlighted “physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, and discipline” as critical enablers of operational effectiveness.

He noted that the quarterly exercise was also designed to strengthen cohesion and “esprit de corps” among personnel while preparing them for the demanding nature of military operations.

The NAF said the route march forms part of its broader efforts to enhance combat effectiveness through continuous training, capacity development, personnel welfare and sustained operational readiness.

According to the Service, the exercise underscores its commitment to maintaining a “fit, resilient, disciplined, and combat-ready force” capable of responding effectively to contemporary security challenges.

The Nigerian Air Force further reaffirmed its resolve to project air power effectively and contribute decisively to the defence, security and stability of Nigeria.

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has warned the Federal Government against inviting, interrogating or arresting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over a corruption petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Melaye, a prominent supporter of Atiku and the African Democratic Congress, said the opposition would mobilise Nigerians if the former Vice-President was invited or arrested in connection with what he described as a “frivolous petition.”

He issued the warning in a video shared on his X account on Friday.

SEE MORE: Senator Dino Melaye Warns Elon Musk Over Kamala Harris ‘Harassment’

Melaye said any attempt to use the petition against Atiku would be resisted, insisting that political office holders remained accountable to the Nigerian people.

“This is our note of warning. If due to this frivolous petition you invite, arrest, or interview Atiku Abubakar, we will prove to you that those in government are less than one per cent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will prove to you that the people own government,” he said.

The warning followed a petition submitted to the EFCC by former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, asking the anti-graft agency to reopen corruption allegations against Atiku dating back to his time as Vice-President.

The petition, signed on Agbonayinma’s behalf by his lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, reportedly referred to an earlier EFCC investigation and report concerning allegations against Atiku.

The allegations date back to 2005 and 2006 and included claims of abuse of office, money laundering and alleged diversion of funds linked to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

Atiku denied wrongdoing at the time and described the allegations as politically motivated.

The Lagos State High Court, on December 20, 2006, reportedly set aside an EFCC administrative indictment against Atiku, ruling that the process was unconstitutional and flawed. The allegations did not result in a criminal conviction against the former Vice-President.

The renewed petition comes as Atiku prepares for the 2027 presidential election under the ADC, with opposition politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Melaye’s warning has added a fresh political dimension to the controversy, with the former senator making it clear that the ADC would oppose any move it considers an attempt to politically target Atiku.

However, there was no confirmed indication as of the time of reporting that the EFCC had invited or arrested Atiku over the renewed petition.

The Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli, has thrown his weight behind the proposed 100 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers across the state.

Bamalli described the proposed adjustment as a “welcome relief”, arguing that the current remuneration of traditional rulers has become inadequate amid rising living costs and the declining value of the naira.

ALSO READ: Zamfara In Mourning As Emir of Gusau Passes Away

The monarch made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists at his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to him, discussions around the proposed increase had been ongoing for about seven months, with Governor Uba Sani and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, working towards its implementation.

Bamalli expressed optimism that the proposed increase would soon be implemented following the government’s official announcement.

He said the purchasing power of traditional rulers’ current earnings had significantly weakened, making the proposed adjustment necessary.

The Emir commended the state government for maintaining what he described as a cordial relationship with the traditional institution, saying regular consultations had enabled both sides to collaborate on issues affecting communities.

He stressed that traditional rulers were not politicians but remained important partners in governance, particularly in conflict resolution, grassroots mobilisation and peacebuilding.

Zazzau Palace Resolves Over 2,000 Civil Disputes

Bamalli also disclosed that the Zazzau Emirate had resolved more than 2,000 civil cases through its alternative dispute resolution mechanism over the past two years.

He said the initiative had helped reduce pressure on conventional courts, noting that the palace handles an average of five cases every day from Monday to Thursday.

The disputes, he explained, largely involve matrimonial issues, inheritance, land matters and other civil disagreements, while criminal cases are transferred to conventional courts.

According to the Emir, the alternative dispute resolution system has also received commendation from members of the judiciary.

Emir Speaks on 2027 Elections

On the 2027 general elections, Bamalli said the traditional institution would continue working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and stability across the Zazzau Emirate.

He attributed the relative peace in the emirate to an inclusive leadership approach designed to accommodate residents from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The monarch said the emirate had recognised major communities, including Igbo, Yoruba and Fulani communities, as well as Christian leaders, to strengthen communication and ensure that the palace received direct information from communities.

“We have tried to ensure that everybody feels that they belong,” he said, explaining that the approach had helped build trust and confidence among residents.

Giwa Remains Security Concern

Bamalli said the emirate remained largely peaceful despite security challenges in Giwa Local Government Area, which he identified as particularly vulnerable because of its proximity to parts of Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states.

He disclosed that the palace maintains regular communication with security agencies and submits weekly intelligence reports to the state government.

The Emir expressed confidence that continued cooperation among traditional institutions, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies would help sustain peace while promoting development and stability across the state.