The Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, has charged newly qualified airborne troops of the Nigerian Army to effectively apply the specialised skills acquired during training to enhance operational effectiveness and support ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.

Mutkut gave the charge on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of students of Advance Airborne Course 31, Basic Rigger Course 48, Basic Airborne Course 61, and Nigerian Defence Academy Cadets Basic Airborne Course 10 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) Drop Zone in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The graduates successfully completed the prescribed military parachute jumps required to qualify as paratroopers, culminating in a display of airborne capability, combat readiness and military professionalism.

Addressing the graduands, the CIC urged them to remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to duty, noting that their expertise would play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges and promoting lasting peace and stability.

He further emphasized the need for personnel to uphold the highest standards of military discipline, courage and professionalism in all theatres of operation. He also encouraged them to pursue continuous professional military education and specialized training to enhance their operational competence in an evolving security environment.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Sunday Etim, said the students underwent rigorous physical conditioning, intensive airborne drills and psychological preparedness training before earning the coveted airborne wings.

According to him, the trainees demonstrated exceptional discipline, resilience and professionalism throughout the programme. He noted that airborne operations require precision and strict adherence to procedures, warning that lapses could have serious consequences.

Etim reiterated the enduring rigger motto, “I Will Be Sure Always,” while commending the graduates for successfully completing the demanding training.

The commandant also graduated participants of the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Driving and Maintenance Section Commanders Course 40. He urged them to apply the combat driving and maintenance skills acquired during training and to transfer the knowledge to personnel in their various formations and units.

He described the APC as a critical battlefield platform whose mobility, protection and firepower remain indispensable to operational success in modern military operations.

Highlights of the ceremony included combat graduation jumps, decoration of successful students with airborne wings, presentation of merit awards, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.