The Nigerian Airforce has graduated 1,123 recruits of Basic Military Training Course 43/2022 at the Military Training Centre, NAF Base, Kaduna.
Speaking at the passing out parade (POP) on Saturday, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has tasked to operate within the rules of engagement spelt out in the code of conduct for Armed Forces personnel involved in internal security operations.
A statement issued on Saturday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said Abubakar urged the recruits to be focused, motivated, and innovative while contributing to NAF’s efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
He said the new recruits would be deployed to the various operational theatres to contribute their quota to national security.
Abubakar admonished them to ensure that they respected and protect innocent and law-abiding civilians they are trained to defend.
“Treat them with respect and protect their rights. By so doing, you will be discharging your professional and constitutional duties. “Remember also that the NAF undoubtedly expects the highest standards from you regarding civil-military relations,” the statement quoted the NAF chief.
He urged them to take advantage of the abundant training opportunities in the NAF to become proficient in their chosen specialties.
Abubakar also reiterated the need for them to be disciplined and subordinate their personal interests to the service and the nation.
Speaking further, Abubakar charged them to ensure they internalise and thoroughly embrace the NAF core values of “integrity first, service before self and excellence in all you do”, in order to maintain the reputation the NAF has earned over the years.
On the ongoing efforts to rid the nation of all criminal acts, the CAS urged them not to allow themselves to be used by any subversive elements to destabilize the country.
“You must not succumb to any inducement or action that would cause disaffection amongst fellow members of the Armed Forces and remember that your duty is to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of their leanings or inclinations”, Abubakar said.
He reminded the recruits that they were now subject to both military and civil laws
and must ensure they submit themselves to civil authority under democratic tenets.
The Airforce chief further advised them on the dangers of misusing the social media by some personnel and the danger it portends for ongoing operations and urged them
to “thoroughly familiarise themselves with the social media policy of the Armed Force of Nigeria.”
He warned that contravening any of the provisions therein, would be viewed very seriously.
The Airforce Chief expressed his profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his support and assured of
NAF’s unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his administration’s renewed hope and aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
