By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has said that it has trained more than 90 operational pilots within the last three years as part of its renewed effort to reposition the service for effective performance.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Basic Flying Course 18 held at the 403 Flying Training School, Kano, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Saddiq Abubakar, also disclosed that 27 student pilots were currently undergoing ab-initio flying training at 401 Flight Training School while another six students have just departed for helicopter training in South Africa.
According to him, a number of NAF personnel were currently undergoing various training in overseas institutions towards the attainment of his vision to reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined Force.
“This is why we have continued to support those activities that give you the requisite knowledge, skills and exposure to better fulfill your tasks,” he said.
He assured them that the NAF personnel would continue to do their utmost best in addressing the security challenges facing the country in different locations.
“Furthermore, about 700 Special Forces personnel for defence of NAF mission critical assess, while many are undergoing engineering and other specialised Air Force related training both at home and abroad.
“NAF will continue to meet its statutory responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.
CAS also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support to NAF, saying the successes recorded so far would not have been possible with the support of the federal government.
While calling on the graduands to justify the effort and resources spent on them, he also urged them to be ready to serve in any part of the country they might found themselves.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander, 403 Flying Training School, Kano, Group Capt. NN Ananaba, commended Abubakar for his continuous support to the training school.
He said seven of the graduands received their training at home, while the remaining one was trained in the United States of America.
Highlights of the ceremony included aerial display, winging of the pilots and presentation of certificates to the best graduands.
