John Shiklam in Kaduna
Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has tasked newly graduated recruits of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to operate within the rules of engagement enumerated in the code of conduct for Armed Forces personnel involved in internal security operations.
In a statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Abubakar made the charge while reviewing the Passing Out Parade of 1,123 recruits of Basic Military Training Course 43/2022 held on Saturday, at the Military Training Centre, NAF Base, Kaduna.
Abubakar urged the recruits to be focused, motivated and innovative while contributing to NAF’s efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
He said the new recruits would be deployed to the various operational theatres to contribute their quota to national security.
Abubakar admonished them to ensure that they respect and protect innocent and law-abiding civilians they are trained to defend.
“Treat them with respect and protect their rights. By doing so, you will be discharging your professional and constitutional duties. “Remember also that the NAF undoubtedly expects the highest standards from you regarding civil-military relations,” the statement quoted the NAF chief.
He urged them to take advantage of the abundant training opportunities in the NAF to become proficient in their chosen specialties.
Abubakar also reiterated the need for them to be disciplined and subordinate their personal interests to the service and the nation.
Speaking further, Abubakar charged them to ensure they internalise and thoroughly embrace the NAF core values of “integrity first, service before self and excellence in all you do”, in order to maintain the reputation the NAF has earned over the years.
In the ongoing efforts to rid the nation of all criminal acts, the CAS urged them not to allow themselves to be used by any subversive elements to destabilise the country.
“You must not succumb to any inducement or action that would cause disaffection amongst fellow members of the Armed Forces and remember that your duty is to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of their leanings or inclinations.”
He reminded the recruits that they were now subject to both military and civil laws and must ensure they submit themselves to civil authority under democratic tenets.
The airforce chief further advised them on the dangers of misusing the social media by some personnel and the danger it portends for ongoing operations and urged them to “thoroughly familiarise themselves with the social media policy of the Armed Force of Nigeria.”
He warned that contravening any of the provisions therein, would be viewed very seriously, expressing his profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his support and assured of
NAF’s unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his administration’s renewed hope and aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
