*Graduates 335 Specialists, charges them on integrity, discipline, service to Nigeria
WorldStage– he Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified collaboration with key national institutions to strengthen accountability, improve intelligence-led operations and enhance civilian protection across its theatres of operation.
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), AVM Edward Gabkwet, led separate strategic engagements with key relevant agencies in line with the operational vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Gabkwet had engagements with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
He said the engagements reflect the CAS’s commitment to ensuring that NAF operations were guided by intelligence, legality and accountability.
According to him, the Service seeks to neutralise threats with precision while safeguarding civilians and upholding national values.
During the visit to the NHRC, the Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, commended the NAF for what he described as deliberate steps toward integrating human rights safeguards into air operations.
Ojukwu said the service’s efforts at strengthening civilian harm mitigation, accountability processes and post-strike assessments represent a major shift in aligning national security operations with international humanitarian standards.
He also called for the revival of the NHRC–Military Dialogue Forum to deepen cooperation and promote transparency in addressing allegations involving security forces.
At the NAPTIP and the DPP, AVM Gabkwet met with the NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, and the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko, to expand areas of collaboration.
Discussions focused on protecting vulnerable groups, improving prosecution pathways, enhancing case management involving military personnel and strengthening joint training on legal awareness and operational judgment.
Senior NAF officers responsible for human rights, legal cooperation, gender affairs and inter-agency relations were part of the delegation, signalling institutional commitment to long-term reforms.
According to the officials, the renewed partnerships are expected to enhance mission effectiveness while reinforcing the Service’s smart-operation framework across its deployments.
GRADUATES 335 SPECIALISTS
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force on Friday graduated no fewer than 335 Specialists, chargjng them to uphold integrity, discipline, and service to Nigeria.
The 335 graduates consisted of 111 students from Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), 150 Regiment Training Centre (RTC), and 74 students from the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences (NAFCONS).
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke was represented at the event by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, (AOC), AVM Ahmed Dari.
Aneke said, “We celebrate the successful completion of the Higher National Diploma in Nursing Sciences from the NAFCONS and the Basic Sundry Courses from the NAFIAM and the Critical Assets Protection Squad Course from the RTC .
” This convergence of graduands from diverse specialisations represents the multifaceted strength and comprehensive capability of our Air Force.”
He said each course the graduates had completed holds critical significance to the service and nation.
Aneke told the Nurses that they have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide life-saving healthcare to the personnel.
He said, ”In military operations, the difference between life and death often rests in the hands of medical professionals like yourselves.
“You are not merely nurses; you are guardians of health, hope, and healing.
“Your role in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our airmen and airwomen cannot be overstated.
“To our graduates from the Institute of Administrative Management, you have mastered the essential skills that keep our Air Force running efficiently.”
According to Aneke, modern military operations require more than combat prowess, adding, ” they demand logistical precision, effective resource management, sound administrative procedures, and strategic planning.
He added, “You are the architects of order, the custodians of efficiency.
“To our critical assets protection squad graduates, you have been trained in one of the most vital responsibilities in modern warfare; the protection of our strategic installations, equipment, and personnel.
“Your role as protectors of our critical infrastructure is paramount, ensuring that our Air Force remains ready and resilient against all threats.
The Air Chief Charge the graduands to give their absolute best in their various specialties.
“Excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey. The Nigerian Air Force depends on your commitment, professionalism, and dedication.”
Aneke appreciated the members of staff and instructors for being dedicated and committed even as he commended the Chief of Medical Services for exemplary leadership in maintaining the institutions.
“Your vision for world-class medical services capability is being realised, and today’s graduates are a testament to that vision, “he said .
Aneke congratulated the Air Officer Commanding ,Ground Training Command for his outstanding stewardship.
“Your leadership has been instrumental in producing graduates who meet and exceed operational requirements.
“I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty President Bola Tinubuu.
“We pledge our dedication to the defence of our nation’s sovereignty, the protection of our citizens, and the advancement of our national interests, “Aneke said.
Awards were given to the graduates who distinguished themselves during the course of study
