By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated a total of 1,296 recruits following the successful completion of the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025, during a Passing Out Parade held on Friday, 20 December 2025.
The ceremony marked the formal transition of the recruits from civilian life into trained airmen and airwomen of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reviewing the parade, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the occasion as a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service, stressing that the operational effectiveness of the NAF is firmly rooted in the quality, discipline and professionalism of its personnel.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS said the successful completion of the six-month training programme aligns with his Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic approach to manpower development in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force. According to him, the institution remains critical to standardised training and mission-focused capability development, adding that discipline instilled during training directly translates to professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field.
He commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of the centre for maintaining high training standards, as well as the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his effective oversight.
Addressing the graduating recruits, the CAS explained that the physical, mental and collective demands of the training were intentionally designed to prepare them for the realities of military service. He reminded them that their transformation into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a rigorous and structured process, while urging them to uphold discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of duty throughout their careers. He also expressed appreciation to their families and loved ones for their support.
Air Marshal Aneke further noted that the new airmen and airwomen are joining the Service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats. He emphasised the NAF’s decisive role in combat air operations, combat support missions and other covert and overt engagements, which require adaptability, continuous learning and professionalism, especially with the operation of increasingly sophisticated platforms. He assured the recruits of the Service’s sustained investment in training and welfare to enhance mission effectiveness.
The CAS thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, and appreciated the Kaduna State Government, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, as well as sister Services, security agencies and partner institutions supporting NAF training efforts.
Highlights of the ceremony included a precision parade by the graduating recruits and the presentation of awards to outstanding performers, with C-130 Squadron emerging as the Champion Squadron. The event was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, military leaders, families and well-wishers.
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