The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday graduated 10 newly trained Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operators, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the country’s air power and intelligence capabilities.
The graduation ceremony of Operational Conversion Training Course 4/2025 was held at the 233 Wing Hangar, NAF Base, Kaduna. The operators were trained at the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group.
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Patrick Obeya, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the occasion as a proud moment for both the graduands and the Nigerian Air Force.
“I am honoured to celebrate the graduation of Operational Conversion Training Course 4/2025. This marks a significant milestone in your careers and in the Nigerian Air Force,” Obeya said.
He noted that the operators had been equipped with the skills and knowledge to project air power, provide real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and support joint operations.
Obeya commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his commitment to training and human capacity development, which he said made the programme possible.
He explained that the operational conversion training consolidated the officers’ fundamental knowledge and prepared them for operational deployment through advanced ground academics, simulator sessions and flying phases.
Urging the graduates to continue improving themselves, Obeya advised them not to rest on their laurels but to pursue continuous self-development, noting that their expertise would contribute to national security and the well-being of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Commander, 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, Group Captain Augustine Idoko, said the training programme was designed to produce professional and mission-ready RPA operators capable of delivering decisive air power effects.
Idoko disclosed that between January and December 2025, the unit conducted over 315 missions and accumulated more than 1,800 flying hours, leading to improved security within its area of responsibility.
“Today, the unit is adding another 10 operators to its operational manpower. In addition, support crew training for maintenance and datalink personnel has built the capacity of over 50 personnel, boosting the NAF’s technical manpower,” he said.
He applauded the Chief of the Air Staff for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to training and capability development, which he said aligned with the command philosophy of “Standardised Training and Mission-Focused Capability Development.”