IntercontinentalNewsReservoir: You must protect civilians, they are not your enemies CAS tells NAF personnel

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to always protect civilians, stressing that civilians are not enemies but the people the Armed Forces exist to protect.

Aneke made the charge to 1,296 NAF personnel during their passing out parade on Saturday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the passed-out personnel were of the Basic Military Training Course 45/2024.

Aneke, who was the reviewing officer of the parade, said the ceremony marked the formal transition of the recruits from civilians into trained personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

He described the event as a significant milestone for both the graduates and the Service, noting that the operational effectiveness of the NAF fundamentally depends on the quality of personnel recruited and trained.

The CAS emphasised his command philosophy which is to “enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.”

He, therefore, said the Military Training Centre, described as the cradle of military excellence in the NAF, remains a critical institution in shaping disciplined, professional and mission-ready personnel.

He added that the centre drives a key enabler of his command philosophy, which is to “standardise training and mission-focused capability development” in the Nigerian Air Force.

He said the recruits completed six months of mandatory, rigorous military training, arriving as civilians and leaving as members of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to him, the transformation was achieved through a well-structured and demanding programme, while appreciating the families and loved ones of the recruits for their support.

Speaking further, Aneke said the training was intentionally demanding, testing them physically, mentally and as a team, in preparation for the realities of military service.

He urged them to remember the discipline, teamwork and sense of duty developed over the six months, stressing that the qualities must guide their conduct throughout their careers in the NAF.

The CAS said the graduates were joining the service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats, where the NAF plays a decisive role through combat air operations, combat support operations and other covert and overt activities.

He urged them to remain adaptable and committed to continuous learning, adding that many of the equipment they would operate and support are highly sophisticated, while assuring that the service would continue to invest in their training and welfare.

Aneke emphasised that the NAF demand the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and selfless service, stressing that excellence is not optional in operations, engineering, logistics or support roles.

He said personnel must respect the constitution, remain apolitical, submit to constituted authority and conduct themselves responsibly at all times.

The CAS reminded the graduates that they would often interface with civilians, stressing that the uniform represents trust and that operational success is incomplete if public trust is lost.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the service.

Aneke also acknowledged the Kaduna State Government, sister Services, security agencies and institutions supporting NAF training efforts, while commending the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, and the Military Training Centre for the successful conduct of the course.

The air chief also commended the commandant, instructors and staff of the Military Training Centre for maintaining high standards throughout the duration of the course, adding that discipline enforced during training reflects directly in field performance.

The CAS assured Nigerians of the service' continued commitment to delivering decisive, responsible and professional airpower in defence of the nation.