PICTORIAL: NAF Wings 9 UAV Pilots To Boost Air Operations

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Thursday, winged nine newly trained Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators under Course 4 Batch B.

The winging marked another defining moment in NAF’s modernisation drive towards pursuit of smarter, technology-driven, and precision-led warfare designed to safeguard lives and secure the nation.

A statement by the NAF Spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, at the the graduation ceremony, held at the 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna.

Air Marshal Anele, in his remarks, congratulated the graduating officers for completing a rigorous and highly technical training programme.

The CAS described the ceremony as “a proud milestone for the Service,” underscoring that the newly winged operators now bear the responsibility of defending Nigeria’s airspace with professionalism, precision, and honour.

He said, “The unmanned aerial vehicles you will be operating are not merely technological marvels; they are instruments of protection, surveillance, and, when necessary, precision response.”

He added, “Operate with professionalism, execute with precision, and serve with honour. Every mission you undertake must reflect our core values of discipline, service, and patriotism.”

The Air Chief said the milestone came at a time when Nigeria faced complex and evolving security threats from insurgents, terrorists, and organised criminal networks.

He emphasized that UAVs now play a decisive role in modern warfare, providing real-time intelligence, enhancing situational awareness, and supporting precision engagement across multiple theatres of operation.

Air Marshal Aneke commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support and investment in building an agile, capable, and technology-driven Air Force.

He said, “The Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing our air capabilities reflects a clear understanding that in today’s battlespace, precision, not brute force, defines success.”

The CAS also lauded the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Air Commodore Nasiru Mohammed Saidu, for his leadership and dedication to excellence in training, noting that the School continues to uphold NAF’s legacy of innovation and professionalism.

Earlier, Air Commodore Saidu praised the resilience and determination of the graduating UAV operators, describing them as “a new breed of airmen ready to redefine Nigeria’s aerial intelligence and surveillance capabilities.”
He noted that the training has equipped them for vital missions including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and precision engagement in support of surface operations.

“This milestone is not just about wings on your chest,” he said. “It is about vision, responsibility, and service, you now represent the sharp edge of a smarter, stronger, and more strategic Nigerian Air Force.”

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