The Minister of Defence, Major-General Salihi Magashi (retd), has inducted 49 Branch Commission (BC) officers and 1,549 recruits of the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) into the armed forces of Nigeria.
Magashi, who was the reviewing officer at the combined passing out parade of the BC officers and the BMTC recruits yesterday in Kaduna, was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor.
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He said it was the first ever combined passing out parade in the history of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
“The combined graduation is a testimony of the commitment of the NAF to operate a professional service properly structured, appropriately manned and adequately trained to provide security for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that the military profession required absolute discipline, loyalty and hard work, among other virtues.
Magashi said the personnel were expected to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and ensure they live in peace and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear.
He stressed that the service needed extraordinary courage, commitment and patriotism, adding that Nigeria would continue to count on them in exhibiting the required qualities in discharging their duties for the overall good of the country.
“The federal government’s recent procurement of new platforms such as the J-F17 thunder multi-role aircraft and Super Tucano attack aircraft to enhance the capacity of the NAF to tackle current security challenges in the country is a testament to Mr President’s quest for equipping the Force”, he said.
