By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening operational capability against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other security threats through rigorous Special Forces training programmes.
Ehimen Ejodame, Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, on May 30, 2026, conducted the final Physical Fitness Test for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026 as part of efforts to identify personnel fit for elite operations.
Ejodame explained that the assessment constituted a critical phase of the selection process, exposing trainees to demanding physical and mental evaluations aimed at identifying those with the resilience, discipline, endurance and combat mindset required for Special Forces operations.
He stated that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stressed the strategic importance of the exercise, noting that the evolving security environment requires highly trained and mission-ready personnel capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
According to Ejodame, the CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to train, equip and deploy personnel capable of taking the fight to terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements wherever they may be found,” Aneke stated.
He added: “Those who threaten innocent citizens, terrorise communities and undermine the peace of our nation must understand that there will be no sanctuary for criminality. Our resolve is unwavering, and our commitment to protecting Nigerians remains absolute.”
Ejodame further disclosed that the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Edeama Lawrence Akpan, said the exercise was designed to ensure that only trainees who demonstrate exceptional physical fitness, determination and operational readiness continue on the course.
Akpan noted that Special Forces personnel are often required to operate under austere and hostile conditions where mission success depends largely on physical endurance, mental toughness and unwavering commitment to duty.
According to him, the final Physical Fitness Test remains a major benchmark for evaluating trainees’ preparedness for future special operations responsibilities.
Ejodame said the exercise underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to maintain a highly capable force ready to support ongoing military operations nationwide.
He added that the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to producing physically fit, mentally resilient and mission-ready Special Forces operators capable of responding effectively to contemporary security challenges.
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