In an effort to improve operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deployed nine recently trained Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators on Thursday.  At a ceremony at the 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna, the UAV operators were given wings.  

The winging of the UAV operators, according to NAf spokeswoman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, is a major advancement in the NAF's quest for "smarter, technology-driven, and precision-led warfare" intended to protect lives and defend the nation.  

PpAir Marshal Sunday Aneke called the event "a proud milestone for the Service" in his speech, according to Chief of Air Staff Ejodame.  The head of the NAF stated that it is now the duty of the UAV operators to protect Nigeria's airspace with honor, professionalism, and accuracy.

“The unmanned aerial vehicles you will be operating are not merely technological marvels; they are instruments of protection, surveillance, and, when necessary, precision response.

“Operate with professionalism, execute with precision, and serve with honour. Every mission you undertake must reflect our core values of discipline, service, and patriotism,” Ejodame quoted the CAS to have said.

The Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, who represented the NAF chief, stated that the milestone occurs at a time when Nigeria faces intricate and changing security challenges.  

He underlined that UAVs are increasingly essential to modern combat because they support precision engagement across several theaters of action, improve situational awareness, and provide real-time intelligence.

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