By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025, reinforcing its manpower base for ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the ceremony as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service,” noting that the operational effectiveness of the NAF is “fundamentally anchored on the quality, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.”
According to the CAS, the successful completion of the six-month training programme aligned squarely 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 for the realisation of national security objectives.”
Aneke said the graduation reflected the NAF’s “deliberate and pragmatic efforts to build capable manpower in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate,” especially in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
He underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, which he described as “the cradle of military excellence in the NAF,” in shaping disciplined, professional, and mission-ready personnel.
The CAS stated that the centre remains “a critical driver of the command philosophy enabler of standardised training and mission-focused capability development,” while commending the Commandant, instructors, and staff for sustaining high standards throughout the training period.
He noted that “the discipline enforced during training directly translates into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field,” and praised the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his effective oversight.
Aneke explained that the physically and mentally demanding nature of the training was intentional, as it prepares recruits for the realities of military service.
He reminded the graduates that their transition from civilian life into the Armed Forces was achieved through “a structured and rigorous programme,” and expressed appreciation to their families and loved ones for their support.
Charging the newly inducted airmen and airwomen, the CAS urged them to uphold “discipline, teamwork, and duty,” stressing that they were joining the service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other asymmetric threats.
He said the NAF 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,” particularly with the deployment of increasingly sophisticated platforms.
Aneke assured the recruits of the NAF’s sustained investment in training and welfare to enhance mission effectiveness.
The ceremony featured a precision parade by the graduating recruits and the presentation of awards to outstanding performers, with C-130 Squadron emerging as the Champion Squadron, while senior government officials, traditional rulers, military leaders, families, and well-wishers attended the event.