The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi, marking a significant boost to its capacity to support ongoing air and joint military operations across the country. The graduation ceremony, held on 21 June 2026, concluded 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.
Rigorous Training for Elite Operators
The comprehensive training programme equipped the graduates with specialist knowledge, tactical skills and operational resilience required to undertake Special Forces missions in complex and dynamic environments. During the training, they 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.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, congratulated the personnel on their successful completion of what he described as one of the NAF’s most rigorous training programmes. Represented by the Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Dari, Aneke 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.”
Commitment to Capacity Development
The Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex Bauchi, Squadron Leader E.L. Akpan, expressed appreciation to the CAS for his unwavering support towards Special Forces training and capacity development. Akpan reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to producing competent, resilient and mission-ready operators capable of executing specialised tasks across diverse operational environments.
“We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of training to ensure our operators are prepared for any challenge,” Akpan said.
Tactical Demonstrations Showcase Skills
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. These demonstrations showcased the operational competence, teamwork, physical endurance and fighting spirit acquired during the course, impressing dignitaries and attendees.
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.
Strengthening National Security
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. The newly graduated operators are expected to be deployed to various theatres of operation to bolster ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and other security operations.
