Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, urged junior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to uphold the utmost level of discipline, including a deep respect for the rule of law and human rights, in their service to the nation. AVM Abubakar made this call during the graduation ceremony of participants from the Junior Division Course 95/2023 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
Addressing the graduating officers, the Chief of the Air Staff acknowledged the nation’s heightened expectations of the military as the government strives to combat insecurity and revive the economy. He urged the officers to adhere to the Armed Forces Act, Standard Operating Procedures, and Rules of Engagement for various operations, providing a framework to guide their activities, particularly in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and anti-banditry operations. AVM Abubakar also emphasized the importance of developing sound judgment as the officers return to their units, as they will assume higher appointments and duties that will test the limits of their knowledge and abilities acquired during the course.
Congratulating the graduating officers, including those from sister African countries, the Chief of the Air Staff encouraged them to build upon the positive experiences they had in Nigeria to foster connections. He highlighted that these connections would significantly advance bilateral ties and foster military collaboration among the various countries in tackling emerging transnational security threats in Africa.
The Junior Staff Course is specifically designed to provide participants, who hold the rank of Captain and equivalents, with a solid foundation and prepare them for staff and field work at the tactical level. The course enhances their communication, analytical, and leadership skills, enabling them to perform staff functions and effectively manage men and resources.
A total of 314 officers took part in the recent course, with 157 from the Nigerian Army, 57 from the Nigerian Navy, 84 from the Nigerian Air Force, 10 from para-military organizations, and 6 officers from sister African countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, the Gambia, and the Republic of Zambia. The Chief of the Air Staff graced the graduation ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour on Friday, June 23, 2023.
