NAF Boosts Special Forces Capability, Graduates 111 Operators To Enhance National Security
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026, further enhancing its capacity to support ongoing air and joint military operations across the country. The graduation ceremony, held at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, marked the successful completion of an intensive and demanding training programme designed to produce highly skilled, combat-ready and mission-oriented operators capable of responding to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was the Special Guest of Honour and was represented by the Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal AY Dari.
Addressing the graduating personnel, the CAS congratulated them on successfully completing one of the NAF’s most rigorous training programmes and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and courage in the discharge of their duties. He stated, “The strength of any fighting force lies not only in its equipment but in the quality, discipline and determination of its personnel. You are now part of an elite cadre entrusted with critical responsibilities in safeguarding our nation. Serve with honour, remain mission-focused and let your actions reflect the values of the Nigerian Air Force.”
The comprehensive training programme equipped the graduates with the specialist knowledge, tactical skills and operational resilience required to undertake Special Forces missions in complex and dynamic environments. Throughout the course, the trainees were subjected to demanding physical, mental and tactical exercises designed to enhance leadership, teamwork, adaptability and mission effectiveness in support of air and joint operations.
Earlier, the Commandant, Regiment Training Centre Annex Bauchi, Squadron Leader EL Akpan, expressed appreciation to the CAS for his unwavering support towards Special Forces training and capacity development. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to producing competent, resilient and mission-ready operators capable of executing specialised tasks across diverse operational environments. A major highlight of the ceremony was a series of tactical demonstrations by the graduating trainees, including obstacle crossing drills, commando self-defence techniques and air assault operations, which showcased the operational competence, teamwork, physical endurance and fighting spirit acquired during the course.
Among those in attendance were the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal A Idris, represented by the Commander 251 Base Services Group, Air Commodore Y Bashir, the Director of Regiment, Air Commodore Olayera, alongside senior military officers, representatives of sister services, other security agencies and invited guests.
The graduation of the 111 Special Forces operators marks another significant milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained investment in human capacity development and operational excellence. It reinforces the Service’s commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, protecting innocent lives and advancing national security objectives. Through sustained investment in elite training, the Nigerian Air Force remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and contribute to enduring peace, security and stability across the nation.
