By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026 as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capability and enhance support for ongoing air and joint military operations across the country.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, the graduation ceremony was held at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, following the successful completion of an intensive training programme designed to produce highly skilled and combat-ready operators.
Ejodame stated that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who was represented by the Chief of Training, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal AY Dari, congratulated the graduating personnel and urged 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,” the CAS said.
He charged the newly trained operators to remain mission-focused and allow their conduct to reflect the values and traditions of the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the statement, the comprehensive course equipped participants with specialist knowledge, tactical skills and operational resilience required to undertake Special Forces missions in complex and dynamic environments.
Throughout the training, participants underwent demanding physical, mental and tactical exercises aimed at enhancing leadership, teamwork, adaptability and mission effectiveness in support of air and joint operations.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Squadron Leader EL Akpan, expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his sustained support towards Special Forces training and capacity development.
Akpan reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to producing competent and mission-ready operators capable of executing specialised assignments in 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 event was attended by senior military officers, representatives of sister services, security agencies and invited guests.
Ejodame noted that the graduation marks another milestone in the NAF’s investment in human capacity development and operational excellence, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a professional and combat-ready force capable of supporting national security objectives.
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