The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday winged nine newly trained Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators to enhance operations.
The UAV operators were winged at a ceremony held at the 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna.
NAf spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that the winging of the UAV operators represents a significant step forward in NAF’s pursuit of “smarter, technology-driven, and precision-led warfare” designed to safeguard lives and secure the the country.
According to Ejodame, the Chief of Air Staff, in his address, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the ceremony as “a proud milestone for the Service.”
The NAF boss noted that the UAV operators now bear the responsibility of defending Nigeria’s airspace with professionalism, precision, and honour.
“The unmanned aerial vehicles you will be operating are not merely technological marvels; they are instruments of protection, surveillance, and, when necessary, precision response.
“Operate with professionalism, execute with precision, and serve with honour. Every mission you undertake must reflect our core values of discipline, service, and patriotism,” Ejodame quoted the CAS to have said.
The NAF boss, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, noted that the milestone comes at a time when Nigeria faces complex and evolving security threats.
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 Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support and investment in building an agile, capable, and technology-driven Air Force.
“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,” he said.
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.
