In a significant development for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has urged 12 newly winged pilots to leverage their training and skills towards enhancing the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in various theaters of operation within the country.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar stated this at the winging ceremony of Basic Flying Course-20 held at the 403 Flying Training School (FTS), Kano, on November 23, 2023
He emphasized the need for the freshly graduated pilots to contribute energetically to sustaining the successes achieved in combating criminal elements.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s commitment to independent and joint operations, aiming not only to neutralize criminals but also to shape operational environments. Recognizing the significance of the ceremony, he underscored the critical role of new and vibrant pilots in maintaining operational momentum. The CAS acknowledged the support from the Federal Government, which has provided essential platforms and equipment to bolster the fight against terrorism and insurgency. However, he also acknowledged the associated challenges in terms of manpower, training, and operating costs, exacerbated by the impending arrival of new platforms, including the M-346, AH-1Z, A-109 Trekker, and T-129 ATAK helicopters.
To address existing manpower gaps, Air Marshal Abubakar proposed a sustained three-year training plan, commencing in January 2024, contingent upon the availability of funding. He expressed satisfaction at the timely graduation of Basic Flying Course-20, emphasizing its role in bridging the pilot deficiency gap.
Considering the dynamic security landscape of the country, Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the newly winged pilots of persisting threats from terrorists in the North, escalating banditry, and kidnapping activities nationwide. Additionally, he highlighted challenges posed by secessionist groups in the Southeast and crude oil theft in the South-south, emphasizing the ongoing need for the NAF to elevate its capabilities to ensure national unity and economic stability.
Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, emphasized the comprehensive training provided to produce pilots capable of operating new and advanced platforms. He praised the historic role of the 403 FTS Kano, which has trained over 207 pilots since its establishment in 1967. Ananaba noted that the addition of 12 fast jet pilots significantly enhances NAF’s readiness to handle the influx of new platforms.
The graduation ceremony, attended by various dignitaries, including the representative of the Governor of Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), marked a milestone in the NAF’s continuous efforts to strengthen its capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges.
