By Yusuf A. Yusuf
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promoted the Commander of 455 Base Services Group, Kano, Mustapha Sulaiman, to the rank of Air Commodore.
A reception held in his honour took place at the Base Hall in Kano, drawing hundreds of well-wishers, senior military officers, and government dignitaries.
The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, Mohammad Daura, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended Air Commodore Sulaiman for his discipline, integrity, and dedication to service, describing the promotion as well deserved.
Squadron Leader Abubakar Wada, Commanding Officer of the Admin Services Wing, 455 Base Services Group, NAF Base Kano, presented a souvenir on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the Base.
The Commander of 3rd Brigade, Bukavu Barracks, Brigadier General A. M. Tukur, who proposed a toast on behalf of the dignitaries present, congratulated the newly promoted Air Commodore and wished him continued success.
Air Commodore M. Sulaiman has held several appointments at both unit and headquarters levels. These include serving as Liaison Officer, Sector Bravo, with the United Nations Military Observer Group in the United Nations Mission in Liberia; Head of the Supply Management Department at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kano; and Deputy Director of Procurement at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
He also served as Commander, 671 Nigerian Air Force Detachment, Ibadan, as well as Command Logistics Officer at Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Air Commodore Mustapha Sulaiman assumed duty as Commander, 455 Base Services Group, Kano, on 30 June 2023.
Speaking at the reception, the newly promoted officer expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing an enabling environment where professionalism, loyalty, and dedication to national service are recognised and rewarded.
He also appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke , and the Executive Governor of Kano State for their unwavering support.
Air Commodore Sulaiman further expressed heartfelt gratitude to his parents, especially his mother, for her continuous mentorship, guidance, and moral support.
He thanked his wife, siblings, and co-located NAF unit commandants and commanders for their encouragement and cooperation.
Dignitaries at the event included the Kano State Commissioner of Police and commanders of sister security agencies, reflecting strong inter-agency cooperation and mutual respect.
