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  Organisation Structure of The Nigerian Air Force
Tactical Air Command
The Tactical Air Command (TAC) was established in 1978 as the teeth arm of the NAF under which all the fighting formations and units are grouped. An Air Officer Commanding of aircrew (pilot) specialty, heads the Command.

The Tactical Air Command is tasked with the responsibility of providing tactical training, the operational elements and resources necessary to meet the operational objectives of the NAF.

Thus, the responsibility for the implementation of the NAF concept of operations of “active defence, forward engagement,” rests squarely with the Command. To achieve this enormous task, the Command is organised into groups and detachments in 12 locations across the country with the Command Headquarters at Makurdi. TAC operates all dedicated combat aircraft and most of the airlift assets in the Service. Equipped with an array of aircraft and weapon systems, it is capable of conducting all tactical air operations including counter air, counter surface and combat support air operations. Since the Command was established in 1978, it has grown and expanded with time. It has also made some giant strides and modest achievements in several areas both within and outside Nigeria. The Command participated with pride in the remarkable demonstration of airpower by TAC elements as part of ECOMOG forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone between 1990 and 2000. During these operations, its C-130s provided effective strategic airlift for Nigerian and sister African nations’ troops to and from the operational theatre. TAC Super Puma helicopter also performed creditably in tactical transport and medical evacuation roles, while the heroic offensive air operations conducted by the Alfa-Jets, remain a prime reference point in the modern application of airpower in the sub-region. There have been 16 Air Officers that commanded this elite fighting arm since its establishment. The chronicle of command is as indicated below:

Serial Rank Name NAF Number Tenure of Duty
1 Air Cdre WI Aleyideino NAF/124 1978 – 12/05/1980
2 Gp Capt IM Alfa NAF/159 12/05/1980 – 15/06/1980
3 Gp Capt AH Lawal NAF/233 16/06/1980 – 02/12/1981
4 Air Cdre GA Osho NAF/165 02/12/1981 – 01/12/1982
5 Air Cdre IM Alfa NAF/159 01/12/1982 – 31/12/1983
6 Air Cdre AH Lawal NAF/233 20/01/1984 – 01/03/1986
7 Air Cdre NO Yussuf NAF/160 01/03/1986 – 10/01/1989
8 AVM CU Ugah NAF/163 10/01/1989 – 29/12/1989
9 AVM AE Okpere NAF/243 29/12/1989 – 07/09/1990
10 Air Cdre CAE Dada NAF/206 07/09/1990 – 24/12/1991
11 Air Cdre EO Adeleye NAF/277 24/12/1991 – 18/09/1993
12 Air Cdre NE Eduok NAF/340 18/09/1993 – 03/04/1995
13 Air Cdre EE Edem NAF/339 03/04/1995 – 11/12/1996
14 AVM EE Edem NAF/339 11/12/1996 – 01/06/1999
15 AVM FG Dilli NAF/379 07/07/1999 – 05/02/2000
16 Air Cdre JO Okoiye NAF/461 26/06/2000 – 24/08/2000
17 Air Cdre MAD Bello NAF/503 05/01/2001 – 15/05/2001
18 Air Cdre SA Atawodi NAF/555 15/05/2001 – 31/12/2002
19 AVM SA Atawodi NAF/555 31/12/2002 – 09/02/2004
20 AVM PC Dike NAF/584 10/02/2004 - 01/06/2006
21 AVM NN Dilli NAF/571 23/06/2006 till June 07
 
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