By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, DFS, has charged newly graduated regiment personnel to remain vigilant and committed to defending the nation as the Service continues to upscale its capabilities to meet emerging security threats.
Air Marshal Aneke, who gave the charge during the combined graduation ceremony of the Basic Regiment Officers Course 20/2025 and Basic Regiment Airmen/Airwomen Course 33/2025 held at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC), Kaduna, urged the graduands to intensify efforts in protecting national assets and enhancing civilian protection amidst the nation’s complex and evolving security environment.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS was represented at the event by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Dari. He emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in confronting insurgency, banditry, and other internal security threats through enhanced capacity building and operational readiness.
He highlighted the importance of securing critical air assets and adapting to new dimensions of warfare driven by militancy, terrorism, and other criminalities that continue to test national resilience. “Accordingly, we are revitalizing capabilities, developing new ones, and adapting processes to meet emerging security demands,” Air Marshal Aneke stated, noting that the modern battlespace has become increasingly complex and unpredictable.
Reaffirming his commitment to repositioning the Nigerian Air Force as a combat-ready and adaptive force, the CAS pledged to sustain strategic investments in force protection and training to ensure the Service remains decisive in current and future operations. He stressed that a sustainable and functional Air Force must be built on disciplined personnel who possess not only technical competence but also the moral strength to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty at all times.
Air Marshal Aneke commended the Commandant, staff, and instructors of the RTC for their dedication to grooming the next generation of defenders of the nation’s airpower, assuring them of continued support for the Regiment’s training drive.
The newly graduated personnel also underwent specialized Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment training, designed to prepare them for real-world operational environments. Their proficiency was demonstrated through dynamic displays of Krav Maga combat techniques, precision skill-at-arms drills, and rappelling exercises, reflecting enhanced operational readiness.
Commending the graduands for their discipline and dedication, the CAS urged them to uphold the NAF’s core values of loyalty, honesty, courage, and discipline as they assume their new duties. “Protect all Nigerians and avoid any act that could tarnish the image of our great Service,” he charged.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre, Air Commodore C.O. Olayera, expressed appreciation to the NAF leadership for its unwavering commitment to building a capable and professional regiment. He noted that at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency and banditry, the knowledge and discipline acquired by the new graduates would significantly enhance the Air Force’s ability to defend critical assets and contribute decisively to joint operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the nation.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal A.A. Shinkafi; representatives of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army; Commandant, Nigerian Air Force School of Infantry; Director of Regiment (DOREGT), Air Commodore S.S. Lazarus; other NAF commanders and commandants within Kaduna; and retired Air Commodore Adagboyi, former DOREGT.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation and synergy with other security services in the collective fight against terrorism, insurgency, and criminality, while remaining steadfast in its duty to protect the nation and uphold democratic values.
