By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025, formally inducting them into military service as airmen and airwomen of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ceremony, held on 20 December 2025, marked the successful completion of six months of intensive basic military training designed to prepare the recruits for the demands of national security operations.
Reviewing the parade, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the occasion as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service,” stressing that the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force is firmly rooted in the quality, discipline and professionalism of its personnel. He noted that the successful completion of the training programme aligns directly 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 in support of national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke explained that the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic approach to manpower development in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country. He underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force and a critical driver of standardised training and mission-focused capability development. He commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of the institution for maintaining high standards throughout the course, noting that the discipline instilled during training translates directly into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field. He also praised the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his effective oversight.
Addressing the graduating recruits, the CAS said the physical, mental and collective rigours of the training were deliberate and necessary. “The demanding nature of your training was intentional, to prepare you for the realities of military service,” he said, reminding them that their transformation from civilians into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a structured and rigorous process. He urged the new airmen and airwomen to uphold discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of duty throughout their careers, while expressing appreciation to their families and loved ones for the support that contributed to their success.
Air Marshal Aneke further noted that the graduates are joining the Service at a time of complex and evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats. He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force continues to play a decisive role through combat air operations, combat support missions and other covert and overt activities, which demand adaptability, continuous learning and professionalism, especially as the Service operates and supports increasingly sophisticated platforms. He assured the recruits of the NAF’s sustained investment in training and welfare to enhance mission effectiveness.
The Chief of the Air Staff thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force. He also appreciated the Kaduna State Government, represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, as well as sister Services, security agencies and partner institutions for their support to NAF training efforts.
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 of the graduates and other well-wishers who gathered to witness the formal induction of the new personnel into the Nigerian Air Force.
