Nigerian Air Force commissions 35 new pilots to strengthen counter-terrorism operations

In a significant boost to its operational strength, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has added 35 newly qualified pilots to its ranks following their graduation from the 401 Flying Training School (FTS) in Kaduna.

The graduation ceremony marks a major step in the military’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security, especially in the fight against terrorism and insurgency across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed that the new pilots would be immediately deployed for national assignments, including key military operations in conflict zones. Their deployment is expected to significantly bolster the NAF’s capabilities in air support, reconnaissance, and tactical missions.

This development comes less than six months after the Air Force expanded its fleet with 12 new aircraft, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air power and ensuring greater responsiveness in counter-terrorism campaigns.

In January 2025, the NAF bolstered its assets with the acquisition of two King Air 360i light transport planes, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, two Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, and four DA-62 surveillance aircraft.

Speaking at a gathering with Air Force veterans in Kaduna, Air Marshal Abubakar also revealed that the service is expecting an additional 24 M-346 fighter jets and 10 more Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy to further enhance its capabilities.

The graduating class comprised 10 officers from the Basic Transport Flying Course 5 and 25 from the Ab-initio Student Pilot Course 49.

Addressing the graduates during Saturday’s ceremony, Abubakar emphasized the gravity of their new roles, stating: “Earning your flying qualification is not just a personal achievement, it is a national responsibility. You carry not just rank and wings, but the hopes of millions of Nigerians who depend on us for safety and security.”

He underscored the link between the quality of training and the effectiveness of operations, noting that under his leadership, the NAF is committed to strengthening its training programs, increasing its fleet, and adapting its strategies to modern combat demands.

“In the Nigerian Air Force, we say that the quality of our training determines the strength of our operations. This is why, under my leadership, we are upgrading training institutions, inducting more aircraft, and evolving our doctrines to meet the demands of modern warfare,” he said.

He lauded the 401 FTS for its four decades of excellence in pilot training, having produced more than 700 pilots not only for the NAF but also for the Nigerian Navy and several African nations including Benin, Cape Verde, Niger, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone.

The Air Chief restated the Air Force’s commitment to enhancing professionalism, improving personnel welfare, and fulfilling its constitutional duty of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity while contributing to national development.