NAF trains 7,000 regiments, special forces to contain insecurity
Samuel Luka, Bauchi
No fewer than 7,000 regiments and Special Forces have been trained by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to combat security challenges bedeviling the country.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao stated this at the graduation ceremony of the 112 special Forces of Course 10/2022 on Friday in Bauchi.
He reiterated the commitment of NAF towards boosting the strength of the regiment and special operations forces personnel through purposeful training and human capacity development.
According to the CAS, in the pursuit of his vision, the Nigerian Air Force has so far trained about 5,000 Regiment and 2,000 Special Operation Forces personnel, both at home and abroad.
He said NAF has grown to be a formidable force with enhanced professionalism due to regular training, acquisition of new platforms and reactivation of grounded fleets.
Represented by Air Vice Marshal Auwal Bello, Chief of training and Operations NAF headquarters, the CAS noted that the Nigerian Air Force has made concerted efforts to build its own internal capacity and resilience for force protection.
He urged the graduating Special Forces to be courageous and take the battle to all the adversaries of the country.
“I therefore urge you to bring to effect, the utilization of the knowledge and experience gained during the Course whenever and wherever duty calls you”, the CAS tasked the trained officers.
While informing them that the knowledge acquired will require them to exhibit courage, commitment and loyalty in the discharge of your duties, the CAS enjoined them to redouble efforts and engage the security challenges with rugged optimism and renewed determination.
The Chief of Staff also urged them to remain professional in the discharge of their constitutional duty of ensuring the security of beloved good people and the country.
Earlier speaking, Air Vice Marshal Ibukunle Daramola, Air Officer Commanding, AOC Ground Training Command explained that Special Forces operations are characterized by speed, precision, destabilizing shock effects and perseverance of forces.
“The curriculum of this course entailed weapon handling, swimming, unarmed combat, small team tactics, amongst other focused areas,” he said
He appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao for his commitment to ensuring that the pursuit of purposeful training and human capacity development is achieved.
Daramola assured that the Ground Training Command remains resolute in ensuring qualitative training so as to have the best in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Our Corresspondent reports that, out of 281 personnel nominated, 149 trainees were found physically and medically fit, only 112 graduated to qualify as Special Forces operatives also known as Nigerian Air Force Panthers.