The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Thursday graduated nine Unmanned Ariel Vehicle(UAV) pilots in Kaduna.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, in his graduation speech, charged the new pilots to serve with professionalism and precision .
The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that the Air chief was represented at the graduation ceremony of UAV operator Course 4 Batch B, by Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, AVM Ahmed Dari.
Aneke said the graduation marked a milestone in the careers of the graduating UAV operators and the Nigerian Air Force’s evolution.
The Air chief highlighted the Nigerian Air Force 401:Flying Training School(FTS), 50-year legacy of transforming officers into extraordinary aviators.
He commended the Commander’s leadership and vision, which had enabled the school to remain committed to excellence, discipline, and service.
He said the strategic foresight had positioned the Nigerian Air Force as a modern and responsive force.
Aneke said, “NAF’s investments in unmanned aerial systems technology and human capital demonstrated a deep understanding of 21st-century security challenges.”
He reminded the UAV pilots of their critical role in safeguarding lives and restoring hope in communities.
He also urged them to serve with professionalism, execute with precision, and carry the weight of the nation’s trust.
The Nigerian Air Force is committed to modernizing its capabilities, “he said.
Aneke expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the armed forces, his commitment to equipping and empowering the military to confront evolving threats has been resolute.
As the graduating pilots embark on their journey, they carry the nation’s trust and expectations.
May their service be distinguished, their missions successful, and may our nation be safer because of their dedication, “Aneke said.
Earlier, the Commander, 401 FTS, Air Commodore Nasir Saidu, said the school had upheld its tradition of excellence in military aviation.
Saidu said nine students had completed the basic UAV flying training, adding that the achievement was a result of collective efforts of officers, men, and civilian staff.
He encouraged the graduates to continue learning, growing, and improving.
He charged them to stay focused, motivated, and strive for excellence in their future endeavours.
According to him, the UAV operators are now prepared to contribute to various missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and provide situational awareness to surface forces
