The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has emphasized the importance of discipline and respect for the rule of law and human rights to junior Armed Forces officers of Nigeria in their dedicated service to the nation.
Abubakar delivered this message during the graduation ceremony of participants from the Junior Division Course 95/2023 at the Armed Forces Command and College, Jaji.
In his address to the graduates, the Chief of the Air Staff acknowledged the heightened expectations placed on the military as the government tackles insecurity and seeks to revive the economy. He urged the officers to abide by the Armed Forces Act, Standard Operating Procedures, and Rules of Engagement, which serve as essential frameworks guiding their actions, pointing out that this guidance is particularly crucial in their involvement in counter-insurgency, counterterrorism, and anti-banditry operations.
Furthermore, Hassan tasked the graduating officers to cultivate good judgment in utilizing their skills, noting that this attribute will prove invaluable as they assume higher appointments and responsibilities that will test the limits of their knowledge and abilities acquired during the course.
Hassan extended his congratulations to the graduating officers, specifically acknowledging those from sister African countries. He encouraged them to leverage their positive experiences in Nigeria to foster connections, emphasizing that such efforts would significantly enhance bilateral ties and promote collaborative military efforts in addressing emerging transnational security threats across Africa.
The Junior Staff Course aims to provide participants with a strong foundation and prepare them for staff and field work at the tactical level. Officers holding the rank of Captain and equivalents undergo training to perform staff functions and manage men and resources at the junior level by honing their communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
The just concluded course witnessed the participation of a total of 314 officers, comprising 157 from the Nigerian Army, 57 from the Nigerian Navy, and 84 from the Nigerian Air Force. Additionally, 10 students from paramilitary organizations and 6 officers from sister African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Gambia, and the Republic of Zambia, took part in the program.
