The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026 as part of ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity and support national security operations across the country.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame the graduation ceremony, held at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi, marked the successful completion of an intensive training programme designed to produce highly skilled, combat-ready and mission-oriented operators capable of tackling 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 AY Dari, congratulated the graduates 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 stated.
He charged the newly trained operators to remain mission-focused and demonstrate the core values of the Nigerian Air Force in all their assignments.
The Special Forces Course exposed participants to rigorous physical, mental and tactical training aimed at developing leadership, teamwork, adaptability and operational effectiveness in complex combat environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Squadron Leader EL Akpan, commended the Chief of the Air Staff for his sustained support towards Special Forces training and capacity development. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to producing resilient and mission-ready personnel capable of undertaking specialised operations across diverse theatres.
A major highlight of the ceremony was a series of tactical demonstrations by the graduating personnel, including obstacle crossing drills, commando self-defence techniques and air assault operations, showcasing the skills and combat readiness acquired during the course.
The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde, and representatives of the Special Operations Command, sister services and other security agencies.
The graduation of the 111 Special Forces operators underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to human capacity development and operational excellence, reinforcing its ability to deliver effective air power and support joint military operations aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
