Infantry Corps Commander Charges Airborne Troops To Leverage Specialised Skills For Operational Success

In a colourful demonstration of airborne capability, combat readiness and professional military excellence, the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, graduated students of Advance Airborne Course 31, Basic Rigger Course 48, Basic Airborne Course 61 and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Cadets Basic Airborne Course 10 at the Jaji Drop Zone, having successfully completed the prescribed number of military parachute jumps required for qualification as paratroopers.

Delivering his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Commander, Infantry Corps (CIC), Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, charged the students to effectively utilise, consolidate and apply the skills acquired at the Jump School towards enhancing operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The CIC emphasised that personnel must remain steadfast, professional and committed to duty, noting that their expertise is vital in addressing the contemporary security challenges confronting the nation and achieving lasting peace and stability.

According to a statement signed by Captain Shamsudeen Umar, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, the CIC further urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of military discipline, regimentation, courage and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities across various theatres of operation. He also encouraged them to continually pursue professional military education and specialized training in order to broaden their knowledge, enhance operational competence and remain relevant in an evolving security environment.

In his welcome address and course overview, the Commandant, NASI, Major General Frank Sunday Etim, stated that the students underwent rigorous physical conditioning, intensive airborne drills and psychological preparedness training to earn the privilege of wearing the coveted airborne wings and being recognised as paratroopers.

He noted that the students displayed exceptional discipline, resilience and professionalism throughout the training period, stressing that airborne operations demand precision and attention to detail, as any lapse could result in serious consequences. He, therefore, reiterated the enduring Rigger motto: “I Will Be Sure Always.”

In the same vein, the Commandant NASI earlier graduated students of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Driving and Maintenance Section Commanders Course 40. He charged the students to effectively employ the combat driving and maintenance skills acquired during the course and to serve as force multipliers by imparting the knowledge to personnel at their respective formations and units. He further noted that the APC remains a critical battlefield platform renowned for its mobility, protection and firepower, which are indispensable elements for operational success in contemporary military operations.

The high point of the graduation ceremony was the execution of combat graduation jumps, decoration of qualified students with the airborne wings, presentation of merit awards, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.