Nigerian Air Force Recruits Push Limits During Initial Bush Camp Exercise, Display Readiness For Counter-Insurgency Operations

Nigerian Air Force Recruits Push Limits During Initial Bush Camp Exercise, Display Readiness For Counter-Insurgency Operations

The Military Training Centre (MTC), Kaduna, has successfully concluded the Initial Bush Camp Exercise for recruits of the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2024, held from 29 September to 4 October 2025. The exercise provided the recruits with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from classroom lessons in realistic combat settings, relevant for counter-insurgency operations. The event culminated in a 20-kilometre inter-squadron cross country competition designed to test endurance, teamwork, and resilience, with the C-130 Squadron emerging as the overall winner.

The practical field training exposed the recruits to essential combat drills such as day and night navigation, patrols, ambush operations, and tactical manoeuvres including tent striking, all critical for internal security operations. Tent striking trains recruits to dismantle camps rapidly and move without leaving traces. Through these exercises, the recruits demonstrated the discipline, adaptability, and combat readiness required to function in dynamic operational environments. The MTC Commandant, Air Commodore Mohammed Lawal, commended the recruits endurance, discipline, and readiness to serve as professionals. He also highlighted the vital inter-agency collaboration with the 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, which contributed to the success of the exercise.

The successful completion of the Initial Bush Camp underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to training, operational readiness, and professionalism in line with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar’s key enabler on Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development. Through such rigorous and mission-driven field training, the NAF continues to produce well-trained and combat-ready personnel, equipped to contribute effectively to national security and counter-insurgency efforts across the country.