Nigerian Air Force commissions 111 elite troops to enhance domestic defense capabilities

The Nigerian Air Force has successfully graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026, thereby bolstering its ability to support ongoing air and joint military operations nationwide. This milestone was achieved through an intensive training programme designed to equip personnel with the necessary skills to tackle Nigeria's evolving security challenges.

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Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, announced the graduation on Sunday, revealing that the ceremony took place at the Regiment Training Centre Annex in Bauchi. The event marked the culmination of a demanding training programme that produced highly skilled and combat-ready operators.

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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was represented by Air Vice Marshal AY Dari, Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, at the graduation ceremony. In a message to the graduating personnel, the CAS congratulated them on completing one of the NAF's most rigorous training programmes.

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The CAS urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and courage in their duties, emphasizing that the strength of any fighting force lies in the quality, discipline, and determination of its personnel. He reminded them that they are now part of an elite cadre with critical responsibilities in safeguarding the nation.

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The comprehensive training programme provided the graduates with specialist knowledge, tactical skills, and operational resilience required to undertake Special Forces missions in complex environments. The trainees were subjected to demanding physical, mental, and tactical exercises to enhance their leadership, teamwork, and mission effectiveness.

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Squadron Leader EL Akpan, Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex Bauchi, expressed gratitude to the CAS for his support towards Special Forces training and capacity development. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to producing competent and mission-ready operators capable of executing specialized tasks.

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The graduation of the 111 Special Forces operators marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian Air Force's investment in human capacity development and operational excellence. This sustained investment in elite training enables the Nigerian Air Force to safeguard Nigeria's sovereignty and contribute to enduring peace and security.

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The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to building a highly motivated, professional, and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces. This commitment is reflected in its efforts to protect innocent lives and advance national security objectives.

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Notable attendees at the ceremony included Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, and Air Vice Marshal A Idris, Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, represented by Air Commodore Y Bashir. Other senior military officers, representatives of sister services, and security agencies were also present.

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A highlight of the ceremony was a series of tactical demonstrations by the graduating trainees, showcasing their operational competence, teamwork, and fighting spirit acquired during the course. The demonstrations included obstacle crossing drills, commando self-defence techniques, and air assault operations.