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 deeply committed to defending the nation as the Service continues to upscale its capabilities to confront emerging security threats
By Chimezie Godfrey
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 deeply committed to defending the nation as the Service continues to upscale its capabilities to confront emerging security threats.
He 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. A total of 483 personnel — comprising 34 officers and 449 airmen/airwomen — successfully completed their training.
Represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Dari, the CAS emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to combat insurgency, banditry, and other internal security challenges through enhanced capacity building and operational readiness.
He underscored the importance of securing critical air assets and adapting to new dimensions of warfare driven by militancy, terrorism, and organized criminality that continue to test the nation’s resilience.
“Accordingly, we are revitalizing capabilities, developing new ones, and adapting processes to meet emerging security demands,” he stated, noting that the modern battlespace has become increasingly complex and unpredictable.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the Nigerian Air Force as a combat-ready and adaptive force, pledging sustained investment in force protection training and strategic capabilities to ensure the Service remains decisive in present and future operations.
According to him, a sustainable and functional Air Force must be anchored on disciplined personnel with both technical competence and the moral strength to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty at all times. He commended the Commandant, staff, and instructors of the RTC for their commitment to grooming the next generation of airpower defenders, assuring them of his continued support for the Regiment’s training drive.
The newly graduated personnel also completed specialized Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment training, designed to prepare them for real-world operational challenges. Their proficiency was demonstrated through dynamic displays of Krav Maga combat techniques, precision skill-at-arms drills, and rappelling exercises, all showcasing their enhanced operational readiness.
Commending the graduands for their discipline and resilience, the CAS urged them to uphold the NAF’s core values of loyalty, honesty, courage, and discipline as they take on their new duties.
“Protect all Nigerians and avoid any act that could tarnish the image of our great Service,” he charged.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant, 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 as Nigeria continues to contend with insurgency and banditry, the knowledge and discipline acquired by the graduates will greatly strengthen the Air Force’s capacity to defend critical assets and contribute meaningfully to joint operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.
The event was attended by 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 Air Commodore Adagboyi (rtd), former DOREGT.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterates 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.