In a significant milestone for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 12 newly trained combat pilots were officially winged on Thursday during a ceremony held at the 403 Flying Training School (FTS) in Kano.
The pilots, belonging to Basic Flying Course-20, were decorated by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who emphasized the importance of justifying the investments made in their training.
The newly winged combat pilots were tasked with contributing their best to sustain the successes achieved in various operational theaters across the country.
By continuing to conduct operations that dismantle criminal networks and restrict their freedom of action, the Nigerian Air Force aims to shape the operational environment and maintain a secure atmosphere.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of injecting new and skilled pilots into the air force, believing they would bring renewed energy and effectiveness to ongoing operations.
He also praised the Federal Government’s commitment to providing essential equipment in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.
The graduation of Basic Flying Course-20 serves as a crucial step in addressing the pilot deficiency gap within the Nigerian Air Force, ensuring a sufficient number of qualified pilots for operational requirements.
The Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, emphasized that the course’s objective was to equip pilots with the knowledge and expertise required to operate the advanced and sophisticated platforms being inducted into the Nigerian Air Force.
The winging ceremony represents a positive development for the Nigerian Air Force and its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
With the addition of these skilled combat pilots, the air force aims to enhance its capabilities in counter-terrorism and contribute to the overall security of the nation.
