Nigerian Air Force Prepares Pilots For Incoming Advanced Platforms, Hails President Tinubu

Nigerian Air Force Prepares Pilots For Incoming Advanced Platforms, Hails President Tinubu

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a major step in preparing its personnel for the operation of incoming modern and advanced aircraft, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 13 February 2026 commissioned key infrastructural projects at NAF Base Kaduna. During the ceremony, the CAS said the developments are critical to readying the next generation of pilots who will operate the Service’s incoming platforms. “In this regard, the completion of the Student Pilots’ Quarters is a major step in preparing pilots who will operate modern advanced aircraft, enabling the projection of smart and decisive airpower to eliminate terrorist threats while safeguarding our people,” he said, describing the project as a deliberate investment in operational readiness and national security.

Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the commissioning goes beyond infrastructure. “My mission here is not just about buildings but about fulfilling my command philosophy, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives,” he stated. The CAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to national security. “We salute President Tinubu for his unwavering support to national security, as demonstrated by his bilateral engagement with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye for defence equipment, including the acquisition of advanced helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Nigerian Air Force,” he added. He further disclosed that strategic engagements in the United States, Italy, and Türkiye are already yielding results, with the fast-tracked procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness across the full spectrum of air operations.

The infrastructure projects commissioned include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom Student Pilots’ Quarters, a block of six three-bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the NAF, and a block of 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for airmen and airwomen of the Military Training Centre. The CAS urged personnel to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism. “Use these structures with care and a deep sense of responsibility. Let them reflect a strong culture of maintenance and pride, ensuring they remain a source of comfort and dignity for current and future occupants,” he said. He appreciated the former CAS, Air Marshal HB Abubakar, for the foresight in initiating the project, commended the Logistics Branch, the Air Officer Commanding, and contractors for timely delivery, and acknowledged the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly for enabling the fiscal releases that made the developments possible. Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he pledged continued dedication to a safe, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. In his welcome remarks, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga, described the facilities as a milestone in strengthening operational readiness and personnel welfare, noting that they will play a vital role in preparing pilots to operate the advanced platforms that will shape the future of the Nigerian Air Force.