Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called for a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following recurring military aircraft crashes in the country.
Ejiofor made the call during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, where he raised concerns about aircraft maintenance standards, airworthiness and personnel training.
His comments followed a recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State, which reportedly claimed several lives.
The former DSS director described the recurring incidents as alarming and urged the Federal Government and Air Force authorities to conduct a thorough internal audit to identify possible maintenance deficiencies or training-related issues.
“So this crash is just one too many, and I think we need to do internal auditing of the Nigerian Air Force to ensure that the aircraft are airworthy and that the people receive training,” he said.
Ejiofor noted that poor maintenance culture was not limited to the military but was a broader problem in Nigerian society.
He warned that the continued loss of military personnel, aircraft and other valuable equipment required urgent intervention and a more proactive approach from the government.
“I call for comprehensive internal auditing of both the aircraft and men, because we can’t just continue to lose men, lose equipment, materials, and all that. I think it’s high time the government stepped up its proactive approaches,” he added.
He also urged the Air Force leadership to review its operations and determine the factors responsible for the repeated crashes rather than allowing the incidents to continue without a clear assessment.
“And the Air Force authorities also have to look inwards to see what it actually is. Is it lack of maintenance or training? I’m sure they are trained,” Ejiofor said.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of both aircraft and personnel to help establish the causes of the incidents and prevent further loss of lives and military assets.
