By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Bauchi State, has intensified efforts to strengthen counter improvised explosive device (IED) warfare capabilities through a specialised training programme for Special Forces operatives.
The training, conducted at the NAF Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, focused on the identification and handling of IED threats for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026.
According to the NAF, the exercise was designed to sharpen the situational awareness, force protection skills, and operational effectiveness of the trainees in tackling explosive threats in contemporary security operations.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, said the training aligned with the centre’s mandate of producing resilient and combat-ready special forces personnel capable of operating in volatile and complex environments.
He stressed the importance of equipping personnel with the tactical knowledge required to detect, identify, and safely respond to explosive threats during military operations.
Akpan further noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had continued to prioritise realistic training, operational adaptability, and mission-oriented capacity development to ensure NAF personnel remain proactive and decisive in counterterrorism and other special operations.
During the practical sessions, trainees were exposed to different forms of IEDs, threat indicators, and safety procedures applicable in combat situations.
The NPF EOD team also conducted demonstrations on the detonation mechanisms of pressure plate IEDs and educated participants on the critical components of explosive devices, including containers, initiators, charges, power sources, and switch mechanisms.
The exercise, according to the organisers, provided participants with operational insight into the construction and functioning of explosive devices commonly encountered during military operations.
Security experts at the event noted that the collaboration underscored the growing importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing operational effectiveness against insurgency, terrorism, and other asymmetric threats facing the country.
