By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to strengthen its operational effectiveness against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other security threats through rigorous and realistic Special Forces training.
As part of this commitment, the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, conducted the final Physical Fitness Test for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026 on May 30, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the assessment marked a critical phase in the selection process for prospective Special Forces personnel.
The exercise subjected trainees to a series of demanding physical and mental evaluations aimed at identifying candidates with the resilience, discipline, endurance and combat mindset required for Special Forces operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, underscored the strategic significance of the exercise, stressing that Nigeria’s evolving security environment requires highly trained and mission-ready personnel capable of responding decisively to emerging threats.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations designed to protect lives, secure communities and preserve national stability.
Charging personnel to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties, Aneke declared that the NAF would continue to train, equip and deploy personnel capable of confronting terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements 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. 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,” he said.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Edeama Lawrence Akpan, said the assessment was deliberately designed to ensure that only trainees demonstrating exceptional physical fitness, determination and operational readiness progressed in the course.
Akpan noted that Special Forces personnel are often required to operate in austere and hostile environments where mission success depends heavily on physical endurance, mental toughness and unwavering commitment to duty.
He explained that the final fitness test remains a key benchmark for assessing the preparedness of trainees for the rigours of special operations and future operational responsibilities.
The final Physical Fitness Test, according to the NAF, reflects the service’s determination to maintain a highly capable force ready to support military operations nationwide.
The Air Force further stated that sustained investment in realistic training and uncompromising standards remains central to its objective of producing physically fit, mentally resilient and mission-ready Special Forces operators capable of addressing contemporary security challenges and contributing decisively to national security objectives.
