From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Nigerian Air Force School of Air Intelligence (NAFSAINT), Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi on Tuesday graduated 65 personnel in three different courses.
The Commandant of the school, Air Commodore Emmanuel Ukpong, disclosed this during the combined graduation ceremony of the Advanced Intelligence Course 20/2023, Intermediate Intelligence Course 21/2023 and the Basic Intelligence Course 31/2023 held in Makurdi.
Ukpong disclosed that 71 personnel were admitted for the sundry programmes but only 65 ended up graduating.
“A student was withdrawn from the course on disciplinary grounds while five others were withdrawn for poor academic performances during the period of the courses.
“Notwithstanding, I am glad to inform you that the course has come to a successful end with 65 students graduating.
“The Advanced Intelligence Course was aimed at producing intelligence operatives meant to function as Desk Sergeants in the units intelligence cells.
“At the end of the course it is expected that the graduands will be able to set up an intelligence cell in all types of operations and carry out intelligence analysis,” Ukpong said.
He further said that the Basic Intelligence Course is designed for new entrants into the intelligence specialty.
“It is aimed at equipping personnel with the rudiments of intelligence gathering and security duties.
Meanwhile, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, AVM NN Ananaba, said that the various courses would enable the graduands to know that the role of NAF activities are heavily dependent on the availability of timely, accurate and comprehensive intelligence on the adversary intentions and capabilities, stressing that it enabled the operation staff to prepare and respond effectively to threats that may arise.
“Also, important is the need to safeguard NAF documents, gather and analyze intelligence reports with precision and provide other vital support to NAF operations,” Ananaba said.
He further said that his expectation was that after completing the courses, the personnel would operate as consummate professionals, reflecting the experience, knowledge and skills that they acquired.
He said that the current internal security situation in Nigeria necessitated increased demand for information security, personnel security and efficient intelligence gathering capabilities within the Armed Forces.
“You must view yourselves as essential contributors to the enhancement of NAF’s capabilities,” he said.
