The Chief of the Air Staff , Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged the 12 newly graduated pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to validate the commitment and resources invested in their training by actively contributing to sustaining the successes achieved in various operational theaters within the country. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the NAF’s ongoing independent and joint operations, aimed at neutralizing criminals and curtailing their freedom of action while shaping the operational environment, necessitate the infusion of new and dynamic pilots to enhance operational effectiveness. The CAS conveyed this message during the winging ceremony of Basic Flying Course-20 at the 403 Flying Training School (FTS) in Kano, held on November 23, 2023.
In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of the winging ceremony, occurring at a time when the NAF has substantially benefited from the Federal Government’s commitment to providing essential platforms and equipment for combating terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminality. He acknowledged the challenges arising from the acquisition of new platforms, which impact manpower, training, and operational costs. With the imminent arrival of various platforms, including the M-346, AH-1Z, A-109 Trekker, and the remaining T-129 ATAK helicopters, the CAS emphasized the importance of sustaining a three-year training plan starting from January 2024 to address current manpower gaps, contingent upon adequate funding. The graduation of Basic Flying Course-20, therefore, plays a pivotal role in mitigating the shortage of pilots.
Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the fluid and unpredictable security environment in the country, citing threats posed by terrorists in the North, an upsurge in banditry and kidnapping activities nationwide, secessionist groups in the Southeast, and the persistent theft of crude oil in the South-south, which poses a threat to the economic well-being of the nation. He urged the newly winged pilots to recognize that the journey was ongoing and encouraged them to strive for excellence in elevating the NAF to greater heights.
The Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, described the graduation ceremony as the culmination of a series of training activities designed to produce fully qualified pilots for the NAF. Beyond producing qualified pilots, the objective of the flying course is to equip pilots with significant knowledge to operate the new and highly technical platforms being introduced into the NAF
. Air Vice Marshal Ananaba highlighted the historical role of the 403 FTS Kano, which since its establishment in 1967, has trained over 207 pilots for the Nigeria Air Force and other sister Air Forces. He emphasized that the addition of 12 fast jet pilots significantly enhances NAF’s readiness to receive and operate the considerable number of platforms expected to be inducted into service. The ceremony was attended by the representative of the Governor of Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), Director-General Special Duties, Branch Chiefs, and various retired and serving officers.
