Faisal Salisu Dambatta
4
NAF STRENGTHENS OPERATIONAL MEDICINE TO SUPPORT COUNTER-INSURGENCY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued to reinforce its commitment to national security and development through deliberate investment in human capacity, as demonstrated by the successful completion of Courses 7/2026 at the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Kaduna, on 15 April 2026. The A1 Sundry Medical Upgrading Course, which commenced on 12 March 2026, brought together 22 airmen and airwomen from diverse medical trades, all of whom successfully completed a rigorous month-long programme.
The graduation ceremony, attended by senior commanders and dignitaries, was held under the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga. In his welcome address, the Commandant of the School, Air Vice Marshal AC Ekpe, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality, mission-oriented medical training in support of NAF operations.
This milestone underscores the NAF’s strategic focus on enhancing operational effectiveness through specialized medical training, an essential enabler in ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
The graduates, drawn from critical fields including medical laboratory technology, hygiene, pharmacy, dental care, and veterinary services, are now better equipped to provide frontline medical support, sustain troop morale, and ensure force readiness in complex operational environments. Their enhanced capabilities directly contribute to mission success, particularly in austere and high-risk theatres where timely and efficient medical services are indispensable.
In line with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the NAF remains steadfast in building a highly professional, resilient, and mission-oriented force anchored on its core values of integrity, service, and excellence. The CAS, in his remarks, emphasized the responsibility placed on the graduates to translate acquired knowledge into impactful service delivery, thereby strengthening the Service’s capacity and contributing meaningfully to national development.
As the NAF continues to adapt to evolving security challenges, such targeted training initiatives remain pivotal in sustaining operational superiority and advancing Nigeria’s broader security and development objectives.
