NAF will hunt terrorists, kidnappers wherever they hide, says Air Chief 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to strengthen its combat readiness against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other security threats by subjecting personnel to rigorous Special Forces training, with only the most physically and mentally fit candidates progressing to advanced operational stages.

As part of the initiative, the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi on Saturday conducted the final Physical Fitness Test for trainees participating in Special Forces Course 13/2026, a critical phase in the selection process designed to identify personnel capable of undertaking some of the military’s most demanding assignments.

According to a statement by NAF on Sunday, the exercise involved a series of strenuous physical and mental evaluations aimed at assessing resilience, endurance, discipline and combat readiness, qualities considered essential for Special Forces operations in hostile and austere environments.

Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), said the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security challenges requires highly trained and mission-ready personnel capable of responding effectively to emerging threats across the country.

According to him, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations through the training, equipping and deployment of elite personnel capable of confronting criminal elements wherever they operate.

“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,” Aneke said.

He stressed that individuals and groups threatening innocent citizens and destabilising communities would continue to face sustained military pressure.

“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,” the Air Chief added.

The final fitness assessment was supervised by Edeama  Akpan, Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader who described the exercise as a crucial benchmark in determining the suitability of trainees for Special Forces duties.

Akpan explained that Special Forces operators are frequently deployed in difficult terrain and hostile operational theatres where mission success often depends on exceptional physical endurance, mental toughness and a high level of professional commitment.

He noted that the assessment was deliberately designed to ensure that only candidates demonstrating outstanding physical fitness, determination and operational readiness would continue with the demanding course.

According to him, the exercise remains one of the most important measures of a trainee’s preparedness for future special operations and other critical military responsibilities.

The Nigerian Air Force said the completion of the final Physical Fitness Test underscores its determination to maintain a highly capable force ready to support military operations across the country amid persistent security challenges.

The Force noted that sustained investment in realistic training programmes and uncompromising operational standards remains central to its strategy of building a force that is physically fit, mentally resilient and capable of responding effectively to contemporary threats.

NAF said the Special Forces programme is aimed at producing elite operators capable of dominating the battlespace, protecting civilian populations and contributing significantly to the achievement of national security objectives.