The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashai Sadiq Babba Abubakar on Tuesday in Kano said the continuous training and re-training of operational pilots have greatly enhanced the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes in troubled areas like Zamfara, Kaduna, and the North-East regions.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of eight operational pilots who were trained on Basic Flying Course 18, at the 403 Flying Training School Kano, said the Nigerian Airforce has graduated 90 operational pilots within the last two years.
According to him, “So far, in the last three years, we have graduated 90 operational pilots. Meanwhile, 27 student pilots are currently undergoing ab initio Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School, while six have just departed for training in South Africa.
“Furthermore, about 700 Special Courses personnel have been trained for the defence of the Nigerian Airforce mission critical assets, while many personnel are undergoing engineering and other specialized Airforce-related training both at home and abroad.
“I must, however, add that although a good number of airforce personnel are currently undergoing various training in over six institutions, with strategic importance of our indigenous training institutions, all to the attainment of my vision, cannot be over-emphasized.
“This is why we have continued to support these activities that will give you the requisite knowledge, skills and exposure to better fulfill your task.
“For instance, following the addition of Combat Rolls to 403 Flying Training School, with the re-rolling of L39-ZA Aircraft with combat operations, we gave tactical training to the instructor of pilots. Also we provided the resources needed for the Unit technicians to conduct 400 hours inspection on some of the aircrafts which enabled them to be flying today.”
He further stated that, “The most pleasing thing about this ceremony today is that all the pilots, except one were trained here in Nigeria. This single feat by 403 Flying Training School and the Air Training Command, has saved for Nigeria government over $5 million.”
He recalled that, “On assumption of office as the Chief of the Air Staff, I articulated my vision for the service which is to reposition the Nigeria Air force into a highly professional and disciplined Force through capacity building initiative for effective, efficient and timely employment of airpower in response to Nigeria’s national security apparatus.
“Indeed, this graduation ceremony of Basic Flying Course 18 and the resurgence of young pilots in the North are good testimonies that the vision has started manifesting. Following extensive training, platform acquisition and reactivation of grounded aircrafts, as well as resuscitation of unserviceable equipment, the Nigerian Air force can now mostly fulfill its roles across the spectrum of the airpower task.
“Nevertheless, the rebuilding process continues as we strive to consolidate by enhancing our manpower capacity and improving upon the statutory status of our aircraft fleets.
“One of the critical drivers of my vision on human capacity development which entails the provision of qualitative training for our workforce is what is manifesting in this graduation ceremony. In this regard, a lot have been achieved.
“We recently graduated 11 pilots from Westland Aviation of South Africa, 10 pilots from International Aviation College in Illorin, while 43 student pilots have completed their ab initio Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna.
“I must therefore appreciate the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his continued support to the Nigerian Airforce. Please be assured that we will continue to do our utmost best to meet with the statutory responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of our nation, whether acting singularly, or in concert with other security agencies.
“To this end, the Nigerian Airforce is committed to justifying the financial and moral support it has received from the Federal Government.”