The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar says the military and other security agencies are working in synergy to achieve the nation’s desire to defeat threats to national security.

Abubakar stated this during the graduation of 182 students of Junior Course 89 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji in Kaduna on Friday.

The air chief was represented by Chief of Policy and Plan NAF Headquarters, AVM Isiaka Amao.

Abubakar said the political, economic, diplomatic, social and military lines are all working in synergy to achieve “our strategic end-state; which is to defeat the threats to our national security.

“As part of military efforts to uphold this drive, this morning the college will be graduating professionally qualified tactical and grade 3 staff officers of our armed forces, ministries, departments and agencies as well as mid-career officers from sister countries.”

Abubakar said the mission of the college is to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers of the armed forces in order to prepare them for increasing responsibilities in staff and command appointments.

According to Abubakar, the junior course was structured to lay a solid foundation and prepare the officers for operational level field and staff work.

“I am aware that the junior course curriculum is constantly being reviewed to enable you cope with the ever-changing nature of warfare, insurgency, terrorism, and militancy amongst others.

“As you return to your countries, units and organisations, I want you to bear in mind that you will be entrusted with leadership positions that would challenge and test the skills you have acquired whilst on this course.

“For officers of the armed forces of Nigeria, your sense of judgement in applying these skills would even be more useful now than ever, bearing in mind the contemporary challenges of security confronting our country.

“In this regard, you must uphold the highest standards of discipline, character, integrity, excellence, service and teamwork, as well as respect the rule of law and human rights in your service to the nation,” he added.

Abubakar reminded the officers that the moment the commandant confers on them the appellation passed junior staff course, they cease to have excuse for failure to achieve results and exceed the expectations of their ranks and grades.

The course comprises of 182 students who were assembled on January 3 and include 89 Nigerian Army officers, 45 Nigerian Navy officers, 30 Nigerian Air Force officers and 12 non-military students drawn from the Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps as well as other paramilitary and security agencies.

There were also seven international officers comprising from Gambia and the Republics of Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo.