NAF Graduates 111 Special Forces Operators to Strengthen National Security
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026, on Saturday, reinforcing its operational capacity to support ongoing air and joint military operations across the country.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi, marked the successful completion of one of the NAF’s most demanding training programmes aimed at producing highly skilled, combat-ready and mission-oriented personnel capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the event, the Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Dari, congratulated the graduating personnel and charged them to uphold professionalism, discipline and courage in the discharge of their duties.
“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,” he said.
The comprehensive training programme exposed the personnel to rigorous physical, mental and tactical exercises designed to enhance leadership, teamwork, adaptability and mission effectiveness. The graduates were equipped with specialist knowledge, operational resilience and tactical skills required to undertake Special Forces missions in complex and dynamic environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Squadron Leader E.L. Akpan, expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his continued support for Special Forces training and capacity development. He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to producing competent, resilient and mission-ready operators capable of executing specialised assignments 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. The displays showcased the operational competence, teamwork, physical endurance and fighting spirit acquired during the course.
Among dignitaries present were the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal A.G. 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; senior military officers, representatives of sister services, other security agencies and invited guests.
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.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the initiative underscores its commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces while protecting lives and advancing national security objectives.
The NAF said it remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and contributing to lasting peace, security and stability through continuous investment in elite military training and operational readiness.
