Five Nigerian Navy personnel complete a landmark drone training programme, as ARCO Aviation Academy cements its position as Nigeria’s premier defense-sector drone training institution
ARCO Aviation Academy announced the successful graduation of the 6th Cohort comprising of the Nigerian Navy personnel from its industry leading drone training programme. The graduation ceremony marks a defining moment in a partnership that has consistently demonstrated the power of structured, defense focused drone education to strengthen Nigeria’s national security capabilities.
This cohort comprising of five highly disciplined Nigerian Navy personnel were trained by a team with hands on expertise in drone operations, surveillance technology, and unmanned aerial system (UAS) protocols.
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Their graduation represents not only a personal achievement, but a direct investment in Nigeria’s operational and strategic readiness.
The ARCO Aviation Academy and Nigerian Navy drone training collaboration has now delivered six successful cohorts, each one building on the foundations of the last.
The Nigerian Navy entrusted ARCO Aviation Academy with the critical task of equipping its personnel with specialised drone skills and that trust has been consistently well placed.
Feedback from the 6th Cohort has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the quality and depth of instruction, the practical, mission relevant training methodology, and the professionalism of ARCO’s faculty and support team as key strengths of the programme.
As part of the programme’s rigorous assessment process, the graduating cohort underwent a check ride officiated by representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Rapheal Akinsete, Engr. Ebitie Charles, and SFO. O. Kukoyi whose presence underscored the regulatory credibility and professional standards of ARCO Aviation Academy’s training.
The successful completion of this evaluation reaffirms the Academy’s commitment to producing drone operators who meet the highest safety and operational benchmarks set by Nigeria’s aviation regulatory authority.
The completion of a sixth consecutive cohort is a powerful statement about ARCO Aviation Academy’s standing as Nigeria’s premier drone training institution.
This milestone validates ARCO Aviation’s capability to deliver classified, operationally sensitive drone training to military personnel at the highest professional standard, Demonstrates the Academy’s expertise in designing drone curricula that are tailored to the specific intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) needs of the Nigerian Navy, positions ARCO Aviation as the foremost drone training academy for Nigeria’s armed forces, opening the door to expanded programmes across other military branches, strengthens ARCO Aviation’s case for long term government and defense sector contracts, deepening its strategic relevance in Nigeria’s security landscape, establishes ARCO Aviation as Nigeria’s premier drone training institution in West Africa, setting a regional benchmark for military UAS training and creates significant potential for curriculum expansion, including advanced drone operations, counter drone systems, and AI integrated surveillance training.
Unmanned aerial systems are no longer peripheral tools in modern warfare and maritime security they are central to it. From coastal surveillance to intelligence gathering and rapid response, drones are redefining how naval forces operate.
ARCO Aviation Academy recognizes this reality and has made it its mission to ensure that Nigeria’s military personnel are not just keeping pace but leading the charge.
With six cohorts now completed and a track record of excellence, ARCO Aviation Academy is actively exploring opportunities to broaden the scope of this programme, introduce advanced level modules, and extend the partnership to additional branches of Nigeria’s armed forces.
ARCO Aviation Academy extends its heartfelt congratulations to all five graduating officers of the 6th Cohort. Your commitment to excellence throughout this programme reflects the finest values of the Nigerian Navy. The skies and the future of Nigeria’s aerial defence are in capable hands.
ARCO Aviation Academy is a premier, NCAA licensed aviation training institution dedicated to developing highly skilled, disciplined, and safety conscious aviation professionals. From a student’s very first lesson through to advanced certification, we provide a rigorous, structured, and supportive learning environment grounded in international aviation standards and fully accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The Academy serves a diverse community from aspiring commercial pilots to individuals seeking to become professional drone pilots, as well as corporate professionals and government personnel.
Through expert instruction, modern training resources, and a culture built on precision, safety, and accountability, students are equipped with the knowledge and practical experience required to operate confidently in professional aviation and unmanned environments.
ARCO Aviation Academy creates a comprehensive pathway for individuals who want to become certified professional drone pilots.
Our Training programmes include Basic RPAS, VLOS (Visual Line of Sight), BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), and structured On-the-Job Training, ensuring operators are fully prepared for the full spectrum of commercial UAV operations across industries and sectors.
