Army Airborne graduates charged to deploy specialised skills against security threats

The Nigerian Army has charged newly qualified paratroopers and other specialised personnel to deploy the skills acquired during their training to strengthen ongoing military operations and tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of four airborne training courses at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State, Godwin Michael Mutkut, a Major – General, who is the Commander of the Infantry Corps, said the specialised training received by the graduates would play a critical role in enhancing operational effectiveness and mission success across various theatres of operation.

Shamsudeen Umar, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, disclosed the details of the training and graduation exercises in a statement issued on Thursday.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of Advance Airborne Course 31, Basic Rigger Course 48, Basic Airborne Course 61 and Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets Basic Airborne Course 10. The participants qualified as paratroopers after completing the prescribed military parachute jumps required for airborne certification.

Mutkut urged the graduates to consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty, noting that airborne personnel occupy a strategic position in the military’s efforts to address contemporary security threats.

According to him, the expertise of airborne troops remains vital in confronting insurgency, banditry and other security challenges while contributing to the restoration of peace and stability across the country.

He further encouraged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of military regimentation, courage and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities. The Infantry Corps Commander also advised them to continually pursue professional military education and specialised training to improve their operational competence and adapt to changing security realities.

Earlier, Frank Sunday Etim, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, said the graduates underwent rigorous physical conditioning, intensive airborne drills and psychological preparedness training before earning the right to wear the coveted airborne wings.

Etim, a Major General, noted that the training programme was designed to prepare the students for the demanding nature of airborne operations, which require precision, discipline and attention to detail.

According to him, the participants demonstrated resilience, professionalism and exceptional discipline throughout the training period.

“Airborne operations demand absolute precision because any lapse can have serious consequences,” he said, while reiterating the enduring rigger motto, “I Will Be Sure Always.”

In a related development, Major General Etim also graduated participants of the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Driving and Maintenance Section Commanders Course 40.

He charged the graduates to effectively utilise the combat driving and maintenance skills acquired during the programme and to transfer the knowledge to personnel in their respective formations and units.

The commandant described the APC as a critical battlefield platform whose mobility, protection and firepower remain indispensable for operational success in modern military engagements.

Highlights of the ceremony included combat graduation jumps by the trainees, decoration of successful participants with airborne wings, presentation of merit awards, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph session.

The graduation ceremony underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening specialised military capabilities and building a highly skilled force capable of responding to emerging security threats nationwide.