By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated a fresh set of combat-ready Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and overall battlespace dominance.
The graduation ceremony, which signified the completion of Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024, took place on 24 July 2025 at the 233 Wing Hangar in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the training forms part of NAF’s sustained strategy to improve Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in support of counterinsurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, was represented at the event by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya.
He described the graduation as a key step in building a highly skilled, responsive, and mission-ready air force capable of addressing the evolving security challenges facing the country.
Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the graduands for completing the rigorous training and commended their resilience and commitment. He urged them to remain professional and focused as they take on their new responsibilities.
The CAS also emphasized the need for continuous learning and innovation, stressing that UAV operations require not only flying skills but also collaboration with engineers, intelligence analysts, and other mission-critical units to ensure success in modern warfare.
The event drew the presence of senior military officers, families of the graduands, and other guests who gathered to celebrate the milestone.
The graduation underscores NAF’s commitment to deploying advanced air power in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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