By Olayemi Esan
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has charged newly graduated recruits of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Basic Military Training Course 41/2020 to be innovative and subordinate their personal interests to the Service and the Nation.
Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement on Firday said, CAS stated this while serving as the reviewing officer at the colourful Passing Out Parade (POP) of 1,031 trainees which took place at the Military Training Centre (MTC), NAF Base, Kaduna.
Air Marshal Amao noted that the occasion was another testimony of the commitment of the NAF to operate a professional Service properly structured, appropriately manned and adequately trained to provide security to Nigeria and the Nigerian people.
According to the CAS, the graduation of yet another batch of recruits is in consonance with NAF's overall strategy of mitigating the challenges of insecurity in the Country.
He went on to state that the 6 months rigorous training the graduands went through was designed to deliberately expose them to near real-life scenarios which they may encounter in the course of their career.
He then urged them to ensure they operate within the ambits of the law and rules of engagement as enumerated in the code of conduct for military personnel engaged in internal security operations as they would be involved in several operations across the country.
He reminded them of the need to respect and protect the innocent and law-abiding civilians whom they are paid to defend. “Treat them with respect and protect their rights. It is by so doing that you will be discharging your professional and constitutional duties”, he said.
Air Marshal Amao charged them to submit themselves to civil authority in accordance with democratic tenets and should not allow themselves to be used by a guyny subversive element in the society to compromise national security.
While expressing the profound gratitude of the NAF to President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support to the NAF to meet its operational requirements and logistics needs, the CAS assured Nigerians that the NAF in consonance with other members of the Armed Forces and security agencies would continue to do all it takes to ensure that the security challenges in the country are speedily brought to an end.
He disclosed that the NAF was expecting 8 aircraft in July 2021, comprising 6 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States of America and 2 Wing Loong Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) from China.
The remaining 6 A-29 Super Tucano, he said, would arrive in September while 2 CH-3 and 4 CH-4 UCAV would arrive the country before the end of 2021.
These additional aircraft, he said, would no doubt boost air power employment capabilities in support of joint operations and would be a game changer in various theatre of operations.
Highlights of the occasion were the silent drill, march-past in quick and slow time and presentation of awards to deserving recruits.
The ceremony also witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries including members of the National Assembly, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Emir of Zazau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nuhu Bamali, Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding amongst others.
