By Amina Ahmed
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke has restated commitment of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) toward building professional, resilient and combat-ready force to address security challenges bedevilling Nigeria.
He said this on Friday at the graduation of Special Forces Training Course 13/2026, at the NAF Regiment Training Centre Annex, Bauchi.
Aneke was represented by AVM Ahmed Yusuf Dari, Chief of Training, NAF Headquarters.
According to Aneke, contemporary operational environment is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.
He said that modern security threats are no longer confined to conventional warfarebut include terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, sabotage of critical national infrastructure, transnational crimes and other asymmetric threats.
The challenges, he said, require highly trained, agile and versatile personnel capable of operating effectively in diverse and hostile environments. To overcome the challenges, Aneke said the special forces training has become indispensable, recognising that the success of military operations in today’s security landscape depends largely on personnel who possess advanced combat skills, sound judgment, physical endurance, mental resilience and the ability to adapt rapidly to changing operational circumstances.
Aneke said the 13-weeks exercise exposed the trainees to rigorous instruction in special operations, counter-terrorism, combat survival, intelligence-driven operations, air-to-ground integration, close-quarter battle, counter-improvised explosive device procedures and other specialised competencies.
He said the trainees have acquired capabilities that would enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective units and contribute significantly to joint military operations.
“As threats continue to evolve, our training institutions must remain proactive in reviewing and adapting training curricula to ensure that personnel are equipped with the skills, knowledge and mindset required to dominate the battlespace.
“The successful completion of this course is evidence of the NAF’s commitment to building a highly capable force that is prepared to confront present and future security challenges.
“The NAF remains committed to building a highly professional, mission-oriented and combat-ready force capable of effectively supporting national security objectives,” he said.
According to Aneke, the training reflects NAF’s commitment and underscores the importance placed on developing personnel with the requisite skills to operate effectively in joint and multi-domain environments.
The air chief charged the personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline and operational excellence, stressing that the skills acquired must be applied responsibly in the service to the nation, and in support of the NAF’s mandate.
Aneke lauded President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance towards strengthening national security and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
“The sustained commitment of the Federal Government to capacity building, training and operational readiness continues to provide the necessary drive for professional military development,” Aneke said.
Sqn Ldr, Lawrence Akpan, Commandant, Regiment Training Annex Bauchi, said that 151 personnel comprising five officers, and 146 airmen and airmen were screened for the Speacial Forces Course 13/2026, which began on March 3, 2026.
He said that 111 personnel comprising five officers and 106 airmen had successfully completed the exercise after meeting all the graduation requirements, representing a pass rate of 73.5 per cent.
Akpan said the course curriculum was designed to prepare personnel for the demands of contemporary military operations, and divided into six phases, including: Body Conditioning, Operative and Air Assault, Amphibious, Shooting and Operations Planning.
“Special Forces Course 13/2026 has successfully achieved its training objectives by producing a cadre of highly motivated, physically resilient and professionally competent personnel capable of undertaking the demanding tasks associated with Special Forces operations.
“The rigorous training programme tested the trainees’ endurance, discipline, courage and commitment while equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in contemporary operational environments,” he said.
Akpan lauded the air chief for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the NAF.
He highlighted that the continuous emphasis on training, particularly special forces training underscores the CAS’s resolve to build a highly professional, agile and mission ready force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
Highlights of the event featured drills by the special forces in assault, escort, rescue operations, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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