The Nigerian Army has strengthened its specialised combat capabilities with the graduation of the maiden set of the Nigerian Army Airborne Training School (NAATS), as part of efforts to improve operational readiness and respond to emerging security threats.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Jaji Drop Zone in Kaduna State on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The milestone represents a major investment in specialised military training, particularly in rapid troop deployment, operational manoeuvre and counter-insurgency operations.
The Special Guest of Honour, Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, charged the graduating personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline, safety and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Mutkut, represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Muhammad Inuwa, stressed that airborne operations extended beyond parachute jumps to include successful mission execution, particularly when troops were deployed behind enemy lines.
He described airborne operations as a force multiplier capable of enhancing the Army’s operational effectiveness and providing commanders with additional options for addressing complex security challenges.
The commander urged the graduates to maintain proficiency through continuous training and self-assessment, expressing confidence that the Chief of Army Staff’s investment in airborne training would translate into improved combat readiness and mission effectiveness.
He also commended the Commandant of NAATS and his team for their dedication to the successful conduct of the training programme.
Earlier, the Commandant of NAATS, Brigadier General MS Usman, praised the graduating personnel for their dedication, resilience and commitment throughout the training.
Usman reaffirmed the school’s determination to produce professionally competent and combat-ready airborne personnel for ongoing and future military operations.
He explained that the specialised capability would give military commanders additional options for rapidly inserting troops, manoeuvring forces and reinforcing ground personnel in difficult operational environments.
The graduating courses comprised the Basic Airborne Course, Basic Rigger Course, Advanced Airborne Course and Nigerian Navy Basic Airborne Course. The programme also included refresher jumps for free-fallers and jumpmasters.
Activities at the ceremony featured basic airborne jumps, refresher free-fall jumps and cargo drops, demonstrating the versatility of airborne operations in military engagements and other emergency situations.
The capabilities are expected to support counter-insurgency missions, emergency response and humanitarian assistance, including the rapid deployment of personnel and delivery of essential supplies to isolated or inaccessible communities.
The establishment of NAATS underscores the Nigerian Army’s drive to develop specialised skills and strengthen its capacity to address evolving national security challenges.
