The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has disclosed that no fewer than 233 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots are presently undergoing specialized training at different aviation colleges in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.
The air chief made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the winging of two fighter pilots and two combat helicopter pilots who have just completed their training in the US.
He restated the commitment of the Air Force to combating all security threats and insurgents that may be causing insecurity in Nigeria.
Amao noted that the government will continue to invest in manpower development for NAF personnel at all levels.
In his words, “In line with this drive, I am glad to note that the Nigerian Air Force has several other pilots as well as personnel from other specialties undergoing various training courses both at home and abroad.
“For instance, we currently have a total of 233 officers and airmen/airwomen undergoing training courses overseas, cutting across several specialties and trades.
“Out of this number, four student pilots are in the Czech Republic undergoing basic fighter training on the L-39 aircraft. In the same vein, two student pilots are undergoing helicopter training at United States of America, while additional two have been processed to join them in the coming days.
“Furthermore, 10 pilots are in the United Kingdom undergoing basic helicopter pilot training. Additionally, another 17 are in South Africa undergoing basic fixed-wing pilot training.”
The CAS charged the new pilots to distinguish themselves in service and discharge their duties accordingly.
“You must also strive to imbibe the doctrine of jointness in the forward lines as you interact with personnel from sister services and other security agencies in various theatres of operation nationwide for more enduring results,” Amao told them.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation over the worsening security situation.
Naija News had earlier reported about an attack on Abagena community housing Internally Displaced Persons camp in Makurdi Local government Area of Benue by armed Fulani herdsmen that left seven people killed, while many others were injured.
Angry youths who were not pleased with the development took to the Makurdi-Lafia road to protest on Tuesday morning, blocking the roads with the dead bodies.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday through his spokesperson, Jimin Geoffrey, Ortom asked President Buhari to declare a state of emergency over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.