The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged the graduates of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air War Course 10/2024 to adopt innovative and proactive approaches in tackling the threats posed by violent non-state actors, asymmetric warfare, and other complex security challenges. The HMOD, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, gave this charge during the Graduation Ceremony of the Course today, 20 September 2024, at the Air Force War College (AFWC), Markurdi.
Speaking further, the HMOD underscored the importance of operational-level military leadership which, he noted, is critical to the role the newly trained officers will play in the various theatres of operations across the country in the coming days. He expressed confidence in the graduands’ ability to uphold the high standards of the Nigerian military and be ambassadors of professionalism in their future roles. The Honourable Minister also acknowledged the NAF’s significant contributions to both internal security and international missions, including airlift and humanitarian support for the United Nations, African Union, and friendly African countries. The HMOD assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to providing the NAF with the necessary platforms and resources to tackle the country’s security challenges. He went further to highlight the Government’s recognition of the critical role airpower plays in modern warfare and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to ensuring that the NAF continues to be a formidable force in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In his remarks at the Ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, urged the graduates to apply the skills acquired during the Course to further strengthen Nigeria’s defence strategies, and commended the AFWC Faculty for their dedication. He acknowledged the rising profile of AFWC as a regional hub of excellence in Professional Military Education, as evidenced by the growing international subscription to the College. The CAS also used the opportunity to stress NAF’s commitment to enhancing airpower capabilities to more effectively address the country’s evolving security challenges. He highlighted recent advancements in equipment acquisition, including the delivery of 12 new aircraft and upcoming additions to the fleet, such as fighter jets and helicopters, which will bolster ongoing operations against insurgents and other security threats. Air Marshal Abubakar also reiterated the importance of joint operations, recognizing the synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies that has resulted in the recent notable operational successes against terrorist groups. In addition, the CAS specially appreciated the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued investment in enhancing the capabilities of the NAF.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commandant of the AFWC, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Adebayo Kehinde, expressed his gratitude to the representative of the HMOD and other distinguished guests for attending the Ceremony. He extended special thanks to the CAS for fostering an enabling environment under his leadership. AVM Kehinde highlighted the comprehensive training offered at the AFWC, emphasizing its focus on Operational Art, Critical Thinking, and Strategic Decision-making. He stressed that these skills are crucial for the Nigerian military’s efforts to safeguard the nation. He also encouraged the graduates to leverage their newly acquired knowledge to address the country’s evolving security challenges, particularly in the realm of asymmetric warfare.
The Graduation Ceremony of AWC 10, which had, amongst its 26 participants, 2 from Cameroon and 1 from Ghana, marked another milestone in the NAF’s efforts to build a formidable force equipped to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Kabiru Ali
Group Captain
Deputy Director Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force