The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art forensic and digital crime laboratory at the Air Police Training Centre in Jos, Plateau State, as part of efforts to enhance national security and adapt to emerging threats.
The facility was commissioned by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during the opening of the Air Provost Conference 2025. He explained that the new laboratory will play a vital role in strengthening crime detection, intelligence gathering, cyber forensics, and digital security operations.
According to him, modern security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime cut across jurisdictions, making it imperative for the military to embrace advanced technology and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.
Alongside the launch of the laboratory, the Air Chief announced several initiatives to boost the Air Provost’s effectiveness. These include the introduction of Military Working Dogs to reinforce K9 operations, the recruitment of 100 Air Police personnel annually over the next five years, the establishment of additional provost squadrons, and the renovation of guardroom facilities across NAF formations.
Training remains central to the reforms. Abubakar revealed that personnel will undergo specialized courses in cyber warfare and digital forensics to prepare them for evolving threats and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure. He emphasized that beyond conventional weapons, the security landscape now demands well-trained professionals equipped with robust digital skills.
The Air Provost Conference, convened for the first time in seven years, is themed “Leveraging Technology, Collaboration, Capacity Building and Training for Enhanced AP Duties in a Dynamic Security Environment.” It features presentations, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing among senior officers and experts to strengthen discipline, build capacity, and improve inter-agency coordination.
Plateau State Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, commended the Nigerian Air Force and its partners for their commitment to sustaining peace and security in the region.
