The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025 to strengthen its mission-ready force in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the ceremony as a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service.
Aneke said the operational effectiveness of the NAF was fundamentally anchored on the quality, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.
According to him, the successful completion of the six-month training programme aligned squarely with his Command Philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.
He emphasised that the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic efforts to build capable manpower in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
The CAS underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, described as the cradle of military excellence in the NAF, in shaping disciplined, professional, and mission-ready personnel.
He stated that the institution remained a critical driver of the command philosophy enabler of standardised training and mission-focused capability development, commending the Commandant, instructors, and staff for maintaining high standards throughout the course.
According to him, the discipline enforced during training directly translates into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field.
He also commended the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, AVM Shinkafi, for his oversight of the institution.
The CAS said that the demanding nature of the training, physically, mentally, and collectively, was intentional and necessary to prepare them for the realities of military service.
He reminded them that their transformation from civilians into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a structured and rigorous programme and expressed appreciation to their families and loved ones for the support that contributed to their success.
He charged the new airmen and airwomen to consistently uphold discipline, teamwork, and duty throughout their careers.
Aneke further reminded the graduates that they were joining the service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other asymmetric threats.
He stressed that NAF had continued to play a decisive role through combat air operations, combat support missions, and other covert and overt activities, requiring adaptability, continuous learning, and professionalism, particularly as the service operates and supports increasingly sophisticated platforms.
Aneke assured the recruits of NAF’s sustained investment in training and welfare to enhance mission effectiveness.
The highlights of the ceremony included a precision parade by the graduating recruits and the presentation of awards to outstanding performers, with C-130 Squadron emerging as the Champion Squadron.
The event attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, military leaders, families, and well-wishers.
