By Miriam Humbe
The 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA has taken a significant step toward bolstering its technological edge and operational readiness by successfully graduating a new set of drone pilots from its Drone Pilots Training Cadre.
Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Division Training School Giginya Military Cantonment marked a pivotal milestone in the Division’s commitment to addressing modern security challenges through the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
In his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, emphasized the Division’s focus on force protection and operational preparedness.
He highlighted the strategic advantage of drones in scouting ahead, conserving resources, and reducing unnecessary risks to troops.
Major General Koughna underscored that true military strength lies not in the accumulation of advanced weaponry but in their seamless integration into combat systems.
He stressed that drone integration is no longer optional but a necessity and urged the graduates to apply their newfound skills effectively in their respective units.
Earlier, the Course Coordinator Captain Samuel Yakubu outlined the Drone Pilots Training Initiative as a visionary initiative spearheaded by the GOC to enhance the Division’s operational effectiveness.
Captain Yakubu noted that the training has elevated the capabilities of frontline troops by providing them with “eyes in the sky.” He said a total of 27 personnel drawn from various formations under the Division’s area of responsibility, participated in the rigorous training.
During the training the graduating students were taught navigation using offline maps, understanding the functions of drone components,Setting up and connecting the Ground Control Station and assembly, disassembly, and startup of aircraft.
Others include takeoff and landing procedure,surveillance operations, imaging, and video capture,zooming, gimbal control, aircraft handling*and obtaining accurate coordinates.
The training culminated in a practical demonstration where the graduating pilots showcased their precision, control and tactical awareness.
The practical display included pre-flight checks, tactical maneuvers, surveillance hovering, and precision landings, impressing the GOC, commanders and senior officers in attendance.
In recognition of their excellence, the GOC awarded wings to the new drone pilots and presented cash prizes to outstanding graduates who distinguished themselves during the course.
