Defence Minister Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has urged the graduating officers of the Air War College to meet the challenges of modern warfare by adopting innovation, strategic foresight, and dynamic leadership.
Represented by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, the Minister encouraged the members of Air War Course 11/2025 to view themselves as pivotal contributors to Nigeria’s security framework.
“The emergence of violent non-state actors, asymmetric conflicts, and multifaceted security threats demands inventive and anticipatory strategies,” he emphasized.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has consistently led efforts to counter these challenges, and your education at this prestigious institution has prepared you to play a critical role in these endeavors.”
According to a statement from NAF Spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Minister highlighted that as Nigeria faces increasingly intricate and cross-border threats-including terrorism, insurgency, piracy, and organized crime-the importance of well-trained, flexible, and forward-thinking leaders is paramount.
He praised the NAF for its unwavering dedication to professional military education, which serves as a foundation for cultivating operational leaders equipped to address both national and regional security imperatives.
Additionally, he acknowledged the Air War College’s contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s defence partnerships with allied countries, noting the participation of officers from Cameroon, Botswana, and Morocco alongside Nigerian Army and Navy personnel.
Such international cooperation, he noted, is essential for creating unified strategies to dismantle extremist and criminal networks that threaten stability across Africa.
In his address, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar called on the graduates to tackle terrorism with immediacy, cautioning that “terrorism must be defeated wherever it arises to preserve peace everywhere.”
He underscored the necessity for coordinated and resolute action against Africa’s growing transnational terror networks.
The CAS reminded the officers that they are the future leaders of their Air Forces, stating, “The destiny of airpower lies in your hands, and your skillful application of it will strike at the core of our adversaries’ strength.”
He also celebrated the successful completion of the course by 29 senior officers, marking a significant step in enhancing the intellectual and operational capabilities vital for national defence.
Launched on January 15, 2025, the program was tailored to develop commanders proficient in interpreting strategic guidance and integrating diplomatic, informational, military, and economic elements of national power into air operation planning and execution.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, Commandant of the Air War College, described the graduation as the culmination of intense intellectual effort and professional growth. He commended the participants’ perseverance and maturity, urging them to translate their knowledge into effective leadership.
Representing the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, Deputy Governor Barrister Sam Ode praised the NAF’s dedication to superior training and the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation.
The rigorous 37-week course enhanced the leadership, strategic planning, joint operations, and cyber warfare skills of the 29 officers, culminating in their induction as Fellows of the Air War College, Nigeria.
Notable recognitions included Commander PC Onah receiving both the Overall Best Graduate and Best Research Paper awards, Group Captain CJ Mbam as Second Best, Wing Commander EA Okeke as Third Best, and Lieutenant Colonel PNE Nguoa from Cameroon as Best Allied Participant.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated these accomplishments but also reaffirmed the NAF’s ongoing commitment to advancing airpower education, fostering international defense collaboration, and protecting national sovereignty.
