The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged Nigerian Air Force (NAF), personnel to remain vigilant, professional and committed to democracy.

Mr Aneke gave the charge at the combined graduation ceremony of Basic Regiment Officers Course 20/2025 and Basic Regiment Airmen/Airwomen Course 33/2025 at the Regiment Training Centre(RTC), NAF Base Kaduna on Friday.

He said, “At a time of national challenges remain vigilant, professional and committed to democracy.”

The air chief was represented by Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command, AVM Ahmed Dari.

Mr Aneke said the centre continued to uphold its reputation as a hub of excellence in ground combat training, embracing innovation to address evolving asymmetric security challenges.

He stated, “Today’s occasion marks another milestone in producing highly skilled manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). A total of 483 personnel comprising 34 officers and 449 airmen/airwomen are graduating after completing the Basic Regiment Officers Course and Basic Regiment Airmen/Airwomen Course and Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment (FP-CAGE) training conducted at the Regiment Training Centre.”

He said NAF continued to uphold its reputation as a hub of excellence in ground combat training and embracing innovation to address evolving asymmetric security challenges.

“The training has built the regiment’s capacity for coordinated and effective security operations, with a focus on force projection and force protection, ” Mr Aneke said.

He said NAF had advanced in both and there was continuous need to strengthen protection to safeguard bases and air assets.

Mr Aneke said, “Our nation still faces militancy, herder-farmers clashes, banditry, cattle rustling, insurgency and terrorism, creating insecurity and unrest.

“The Nigerian Air Force must therefore continue to protect its assets and other national assets to sustain air power. NAF is committed to optimizing its force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness and deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.”

He said NAF’s vision was to build a sustainable and functional air force capable of operating independently or jointly, with a focus on national security and development.

Mr Aneke said, “The NAF’s mission is to safeguard lives and property, protect national assets, and support national development.”

He urged the graduating students to embody the values of loyalty, honesty, fitness, teamwork, courage, and discipline, and to remain vigilant.

Mr Aneke said in line with government priorities under President Bola Tinubu, the NAF had adopted enhanced accountability and judicious use of resources.

Earlier, the Commandant, RTC, Air Commodore Caleb Olayere, said the training lasted six months, focused on enhancing proficiency in force protection, base defence and weapon handling.

Mr Olayere said , “The graduands have been equipped with advanced capabilities to excel as vanguards of force protection in the Nigerian Air Force.”

According to him, the training is aimed at boosting the NAF’s capacity to safeguard its bases, defend critical assets, and contribute to joint operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the country.

He said the training was highly relevant in the current security landscape, where the nation was contending with insurgency, banditry, and other internal security challenges.

Mr Olayere said, “The knowledge and discipline acquired by the graduands will significantly enhance the NAF’s operational effectiveness.”

The commandant said the centre remained committed to imparting knowledge and fostering excellence through qualitative training in regiment duties and other force protection-related fields.

He urged the graduands to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and service before selves as they return to their various units.

Mr Olayere also encouraged them to be shining examples of the regiment specialty and to contribute to the NAF’s mission to safeguard the nation.

Awards were given to the students who distinguished themselves during the training. 

(NAN)