The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar disclosed this during the Passing out Parade of personnel in Kaduna State.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, said the Air Chief charged the personnel to be innovative.
The statement read, “The CAS tasked newly graduated recruits of the Nigerian Air Force to be focused, motivated, and innovative while contributing to NAF’s efforts towards achieving Nigeria’s national security imperatives.”
While reminding them that they would be deployed to the various operational theatres to contribute their quota to national security, he urged them to ensure they operate within the rules of engagement as enumerated in the code of conduct for Armed Forces personnel involved in internal security operations.
He also said the Air Chief admonished them to respect and protect the innocent and law-abiding civilians they are trained to defend.
“Treat them with respect and protect their rights. By doing so, you are fulfilling your professional and constitutional duties. Remember also that the NAF undoubtedly expects the highest standards from you regarding civil-military relations.
“You must not succumb to any inducement or action that would cause disaffection among fellow members of the Armed Forces and remember that your duty is to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of their leanings or inclinations,” the statement added.
The CAS advised recruits to take advantage of abundant training opportunities in the NAF to become proficient in their chosen specialities.
“Air Vice Marshal Abubakar charged them to ensure they internalize and thoroughly embrace the NAF core values of ‘Integrity first, Service before self and excellence in all you do,’ to maintain the reputation the Service has earned over the years. In the ongoing efforts to rid the nation of all criminal acts, the CAS counselled them not to allow themselves to be used by subversive elements to destabilize the country.
“Air Vice Marshal Abubakar also told the recruits to remember that they were now subject to both military and civil laws. Therefore, they must ensure they submit themselves to civil authority under democratic tenets.”
