By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday, winged 28 new pilots as part of efforts to boost its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The ceremony was performed by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana alongside the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
The ceremony was part of the events of the Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar 2024 with the theme, “Agile and Resilient Air Power for National Security: Enhancing Safety and Optimizing NAF Air Operations to Combat Emerging Threats”.
The CAS, in his remarks said that NAF had gained significant mileage during the year with 405 airmen and 186 officers completing various foreign courses, seminars and trips.
He said that 64 personnel were currently ongoing training while another 5,474 and 1,331 personnel have completed and are undergoing various local training courses, respectively.
“From January to November, the Service has trained 54 Pilots abroad and 43 Pilots locally, while 16 UAV operators were trained locally.
“Indeed, it is gratifying that, today, we will also be witnessing the winging ceremony of 28 of these pilots and operators,” he said. (NAN)
