By Tola Gbadamosi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has concluded the Initial Bush Camp Exercise for recruits of the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2024 at the Military Training Centre (MTC), Kaduna. The exercise, held from 29 September to 4 October 2025, tested the recruits’ physical endurance, tactical skills, and readiness for counter-insurgency operations.
According to a statement from the NAF, the week-long field exercise provided an opportunity for recruits to translate classroom knowledge into practical combat experience in realistic operational settings. The activities included day and night navigation, patrols, ambush operations, and tactical manoeuvres such as tent striking — a drill that teaches troops how to dismantle and relocate camps swiftly without leaving traces.
The exercise climaxed with a 20-kilometre inter-squadron cross-country competition designed to test endurance, teamwork, and resilience. The C-130 Squadron emerged as the overall winner of the contest.
Commandant of the MTC, Air Commodore Mohammed Lawal, lauded the recruits for their discipline, determination, and professionalism throughout the exercise. He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, whose participation contributed to the success of the training.
The NAF noted that the successful completion of the Bush Camp Exercise reflects its unwavering commitment to operational readiness and professionalism, in line with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar’s focus on deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.
Through such rigorous field training, the NAF continues to build a resilient, skilled, and combat-ready force capable of effectively contributing to national security and counter-insurgency efforts across the country.