By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, has graduated a new set of paratroopers and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) commanders following the successful completion of specialized military training programmes designed to enhance operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Captain Shamsudeen Umar, the graduation ceremony was held at the Jaji Drop Zone on Thursday and featured students of the Advanced Airborne Course 31, Basic Rigger Course 48, Basic Airborne Course 61 and Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets Basic Airborne Course 10.
The trainees qualified as paratroopers after successfully completing the prescribed military parachute jumps required for airborne certification.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, charged the graduates to effectively deploy the specialized skills acquired during training in support of military operations and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He stressed the need for personnel to remain committed, professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties, noting that their expertise would contribute significantly to addressing the nation’s security challenges and promoting peace and stability.
Major General Mutkut urged the newly qualified paratroopers to uphold the highest standards of courage, military discipline and professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities in various operational theatres.
He also encouraged them to pursue continuous professional military education and specialized training to enhance their competence and remain effective in an increasingly complex security environment.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Frank Sunday Etim, said the graduates underwent rigorous physical conditioning, intensive airborne drills and psychological preparedness exercises before earning the privilege of wearing the coveted airborne wings.
He commended the trainees for their resilience, discipline and professionalism throughout the course, emphasizing that airborne operations require precision, strict adherence to procedures and a high level of attention to detail.
Major General Etim reminded the graduates of the enduring rigger’s motto, “I Will Be Sure Always,” stressing the importance of professionalism and safety in airborne operations.
The Commandant also graduated participants of the Armoured Personnel Carrier Driving and Maintenance Section Commanders Course 40, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to improve operational efficiency within their units.
He encouraged the graduates to serve as force multipliers by sharing their expertise with other personnel and noted that the Armoured Personnel Carrier remains a critical battlefield asset because of its mobility, protection and firepower in modern military operations.
The ceremony was marked by combat graduation jumps, the decoration of successful trainees with airborne wings, presentation of merit awards, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph session.
