NAF Graduates 111 Special Forces to Strengthen National Security

By: Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conferred the Special Forces Course 13/2026 qualification on 111 personnel, strengthening its ability to support air and joint military operations nationwide.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, announced the ceremony on Sunday. It took place at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi.

Ejodame described the graduation as 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. He was represented by the Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal AY Dari.

In his address, the CAS congratulated the graduates on completing one of the NAF’s most rigorous programmes. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and courage in their duties.

“The strength of any fighting force lies not only in its equipment but in the quality, discipline and determination of its personnel,” the CAS said. “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 training programme equipped the graduates with specialist knowledge, tactical skills and operational resilience needed for Special Forces missions in complex and dynamic environments.

Throughout the course, trainees underwent demanding physical, mental and tactical exercises designed to enhance leadership, teamwork, adaptability and mission effectiveness in support of air and joint operations.

Earlier, Squadron Leader EL Akpan, Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex Bauchi, thanked the CAS for his unwavering support of Special Forces training and capacity development. He reiterated the centre’s commitment to producing competent, resilient and mission‑ready operators capable of executing specialised tasks across diverse operational environments.

The graduation of the 111 Special Forces operators marks another milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained investment in human capacity development and operational excellence.

Through continued investment in elite training, the NAF remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and contribute to enduring peace, security and stability across the nation.

The ceremony also underscored 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.

Attendees included Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command; Air Vice Marshal A Idris, Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, represented by Commander 251 Base Services Group, Air Commodore Y Bashir; Air Commodore Olayera, Director of Regiment; and other senior military officers, representatives of sister services, security agencies and invited guests.

A highlight of the ceremony was a series of tactical demonstrations by the graduates, featuring obstacle‑crossing drills, commando self‑defence techniques and air assault operations. The displays showcased the operational competence, teamwork, physical endurance and fighting spirit acquired during the course.

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