The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous air defence capability with the graduation of 10 officers from the maiden Initial Air Defence Control Course 1/2026 conducted by the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC).
The four-week course, which commenced on 20 July 2026 and ended on Friday, 14 August 2026, equipped the participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills required to function as fighter controllers and support air defence operations.
The training featured classroom lectures, practical exercises, demonstrations, syndicate discussions and radar practicals. Participants also received a lecture on the Nigerian Army Air Defence Organisation and embarked on a study tour of the 101 Air Defence Group in Makurdi to enhance their understanding of air defence operations.
At the graduation ceremony, the Commandant of ATSTC, Air Vice Marshal NB Folaji, presented Certificates of Completion to the 10 graduands and recognized the Best Graduating Student for outstanding performance. He described the successful conduct of the course as a landmark achievement, noting that it was the first time personnel had been trained in-house for the specialized fighter control function in the history of the Nigerian Air Force.
AVM Folaji stressed the strategic importance of air defence personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace, protecting national sovereignty and strengthening the country’s overall defence capability. He urged the graduands to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and operational readiness as they assume their new responsibilities.
The Commandant commended the graduands for their commitment throughout the training and expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his foresight, leadership and support, which he said contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the maiden course.
