By PETER AMINE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, welcomed into its fold 78 personnel who graduated from various intelligence courses to strengthen its air operations and tackle Nigeria’s insecurity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the 78 personnel graduated from the Nigerian Air Force School of Air Intelligence (NAFSAINT) in Makurdi.

The Chief of Air Intelligence, AVM Dalhat Ladan, tasked the newly trained intelligence personnel to be committed, gather and analyse intelligence reports with precision, and provide vital support to NAF operations.

Ladan said that courses were essential to the NAF’s main goal of producing highly trained and proficient middle-level personnel capable of providing valuable intelligence to address current and fragile national security challenges.

The chief of air intelligence stated that graduation represented not only the successful completion of rigorous training but also the renewal of the country’s collective commitment to safety, stability, and national security.

He emphasised that the training also aligned with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) command philosophy, which was “to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that would meet the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.

He said furthermore, it would accomplish one of the key enablers of the CAS command philosophy of “deliberate training and mission-oriented force development”.

“As we all know, intelligence as a trade and craft is not for the faint-hearted. It demands patience, precision, courage, and above all, integrity.

“NAF’s roles and conduct of operations are built upon the provision of timely, accurate, and comprehensive intelligence regarding the adversary’s intentions and capabilities.

“This critical information enables our operations staff to prepare and respond effectively to any threats that may arise.

“Therefore, the responsibility placed upon intelligence personnel is immense.

“It is your duty to safeguard NAF assets and documents, gather and analyse intelligence reports with precision, and provide vital support to NAF operations.

“As we all know, the threats confronting nations are increasingly complex and unpredictable, from terrorism, insurgency, and organised crime to cyber threats, disinformation, and economic sabotage,” he stated.

Ladan, however, said that in response to the realities, intelligence remained the first and foremost line of defence.

The air intelligence chief stressed that only through timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence could governments prevent crises, protect citizens, and preserve sovereignty.

He lauded the CAS, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his unwavering support and commitment to sustaining critical airpower capabilities such as air intelligence space within the Nigerian Air Force.

He commended the commandant, instructors, and staff of the Nigerian Air Force School of Air Intelligence for their dedication to excellence.

“You have continued to uphold the highest standards of intelligence training and professional ethics.

“To our graduating personnel, I congratulate you on your discipline, resilience and sense of purpose throughout this demanding journey,” he said.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the NAF Training Command, AVM Abubakar Abdullahi, said that with the level of training, NAF operations would be enhanced in terms of intelligence.

Abdullahi congratulated the graduands and urged them to be good examples and ambassadors of the NAFSAINT.

The AOC appreciated the chief of air intelligence for consistently showing interest in the school and for personally attending the graduation ceremony.

The Commandant of NAFSAINT Makurdi, Air Commodore Adolphus Akins, who gave course highlights, listed the courses to include; Advance Intelligence Course 22/2025, Intermediate Intelligence Course 23/2025 and Basic Intelligence Course 33/2025.

Akins said that while the basic and intermediate courses lasted for 16 weeks, the advanced intelligence lasted for 12 weeks.

The commandant stated that courses started with 87 airmen/airwomen but ended with 78 graduands, as nine of them could not cope with the demands of the courses.

NAN reports that the high point of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to the best graduating students, as well as special guests. (NAN)