The Nigerian Army has strengthened its force expansion and operational readiness drive with the maiden graduation ceremony of the newly established Nigerian Army Airborne Training School (NAATS), held at the Jaji Drop Zone, Kaduna State, on Friday, 23 October 2026. The milestone marks a significant investment in specialised military training, enhancing the Army’s capacity for rapid troop deployment, operational manoeuvre and effective response to evolving national security threats, particularly counter-insurgency operations.
The Special Guest of Honour, Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Major General Godwin Mutkut, charged the graduating students to uphold the highest standards of discipline, safety and professionalism. He emphasised that airborne operations extend beyond parachute jumps to successful mission accomplishment, particularly when troops are deployed behind enemy lines. He noted that the maiden graduation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing specialised skills and combat capabilities required to address emerging security challenges.
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The CIC, represented by the Commandant Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Muhammad Inuwa, described airborne operations as a force multiplier for enhancing operational effectiveness. He urged the graduates to sustain proficiency through continuous training and self-assessment, expressing the expectation that the Chief of Army Staff’s investment in airborne training would translate into improved combat readiness and mission effectiveness. He also commended the Commandant NAATS and his team for their commitment to the successful conduct of the training.
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Earlier, the Commandant NAATS, Brigadier General MS Usman, commended the students for their dedication, resilience and commitment throughout the training. He reaffirmed the school’s resolve to produce professionally competent, combat-ready airborne personnel for ongoing and future military operations. He noted that the capability would provide commanders with additional options for rapid troop insertion, manoeuvre and reinforcement of ground forces in challenging operational environments.
The graduated courses comprised the Basic Airborne Course, Basic Rigger Course, Advanced Airborne Course and Nigerian Navy Basic Airborne Course, alongside refresher jumps for free-fallers and jumpmasters. The graduation activities featured basic airborne jumps, refresher free-fall jumps and cargo drops, demonstrating the versatility of airborne capabilities in combat operations, counter-insurgency missions, emergency response and humanitarian assistance, including the rapid delivery of personnel and essential supplies to isolated or inaccessible communities.
