The Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, has graduated officers of Junior Course 101, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to developing a highly skilled and mission-ready officer corps capable of addressing evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said Nigeria’s security landscape continues to evolve with threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime and transnational organised crime. He stressed that such challenges require greater joint operations, inter-agency cooperation, and strategic foresight.
According to the Air Chief, the graduates have acquired the planning, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to enhance operational effectiveness and contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal AO Shogbanmu, said the college has continued to review its curriculum to address emerging threats, changing patterns of warfare, and modern staff work requirements.
He explained that the course combined rigorous academic instruction with field training exercises designed to prepare officers for single-service, joint, multi-agency, and combined operations. He commended the graduates for their resilience and dedication, noting that the programme tested their leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities while reinforcing core military values of discipline, integrity, loyalty, and selfless service.
Air Marshal Aneke also highlighted the growing importance of innovation, adaptability, and technological awareness in an operational environment increasingly shaped by hybrid warfare and non-state actors. He urged the graduating officers to remain professional, ethical, and agile in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that public confidence in the Armed Forces is built on competence, integrity, and principled leadership.
The ceremony also underscored the significance of regional defence cooperation, with officers from friendly nations participating in the course, further strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability across the region.
Awards were presented to outstanding participants in recognition of exceptional performance. Captain OO Komolafe emerged as the recipient of both the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff Awards.
Other award winners included Lieutenant (NN) ES Williamson, who received the Chief of Naval Staff Award; Flight Lieutenant SO Solomon, who won the Chief of the Air Staff Award; and Captain K Arthur-Barnes of Ghana, honoured as the Best International Student.
The graduation marks another milestone in the Armed Forces’ efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and operational readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
