The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to celebrate a monumental achievement as 1,190 recruits prepare to pass out this Saturday following months of intensive training. The recruits, part of Basic Military Training Course 44/2023, will be officially marked for duty after completing their rigorous program at the Military Training Centre (MTC) in Kaduna.
The passing-out ceremony, which includes the traditional Beating of the Retreat, was highlighted by Air Commodore Hadi Ahmed, the Commandant of the MTC, who spoke about the significance of this milestone. He noted that the training program was designed in line with the Chief of Air Staff’s command philosophy, which focuses on “Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development.” Ahmed emphasized the key objectives of the program, such as physical fitness, mental alertness, weapon handling, field training, discipline, regimentation, and teamwork, all of which have been reinforced through intensive drills.
The Air Officer Commanding, AVM Usman Abdullahi, who served as the Guest of Honour, took the opportunity to remind the recruits of their duties ahead. He urged them to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, prioritizing national and service interests over personal ones. Abdullahi also underscored the importance of loyalty, discipline, and readiness to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as the recruits now transition into active service.
The ceremony was also an opportunity for the Air Force to express gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his critical support in providing the resources necessary to equip the recruits for their training. As these 1,190 new airmen and airwomen head out to serve their country, the Nigerian Air Force solidifies its commitment to strengthening national security with a newly trained force ready for the challenges ahead.