By Bavoriat Clara
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, disciplined, and committed to defending Nigeria as the Service continues to strengthen its operational capacity to meet emerging security challenges.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS gave the charge during the combined graduation ceremony of the Basic Regiment Officers Course 20/2025 and Basic Regiment Airmen/Airwomen Course 33/2025 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, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to confronting insurgency, banditry, and other internal security threats through sustained capacity building and operational readiness. He underscored the importance of protecting critical air assets and adapting to the evolving nature of warfare marked by militancy, terrorism, and other criminalities.
“Accordingly, we are revitalizing capabilities, developing new ones, and adapting processes to meet emerging security demands,” he stated. The CAS emphasized that the modern battlespace is becoming increasingly complex, hence the need for a combat-ready and adaptive Air Force capable of decisive action in any operational environment. He pledged continued investment in training, discipline, and force protection to strengthen the Service’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Air Marshal Aneke also commended the Commandant, staff, and instructors of the RTC for their commitment to grooming the next generation of defenders of the nation’s airspace, assuring them of his sustained support for the Regiment’s training initiatives.
The newly graduated personnel showcased their readiness through Krav Maga combat demonstrations, precision drills, and rappelling exercises, highlighting their enhanced proficiency under the Force Protection in Complex Air-Ground Environment training module. Commending their discipline and commitment, the CAS urged them to uphold the NAF’s core values of loyalty, honesty, courage, and discipline, warning against any conduct that could tarnish the image of the Service.
Earlier, the Commandant of the RTC, Air Commodore C.O. Olayera, thanked the NAF leadership for its continuous investment in the Regiment’s development, noting that the new graduates’ skills will significantly enhance the Service’s contribution to joint operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.
The ceremony was graced 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, Air Commodore S.S. Lazarus; and Air Commodore Adagboyi (Rtd), former DOREGT.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency cooperation and synergy with other security services in the collective fight against terrorism, insurgency, and all forms of criminality while remaining steadfast in its constitutional duty to protect the nation and uphold democratic values.
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