The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly skilled and combat-ready Special Forces unit, with trainees undergoing a demanding final physical fitness test at the Regiment Training Centre, Annex, Bauchi.
Key Highlights:
- The Nigerian Air Force conducted a rigorous fitness assessment for Special Forces trainees in Bauchi.
- The exercise tested physical strength, endurance, and mental resilience of participants in Course 13/2026.
- Only candidates meeting the required standards will advance in the programme.
- Officials stressed the need for highly trained personnel capable of operating in difficult and hostile environments.
- The initiative supports the Air Force’s broader goal of improving counter-terrorism and national security operations.
The exercise, conducted on May 30, 2026, marked a crucial stage in the selection process for participants of Special Forces Course 13/2026.
Trainees were subjected to rigorous physical and mental challenges, aimed at identifying those with the endurance, resilience, discipline and operational readiness required for elite Special Forces missions.
According to the air force, the assessment reflects its determination to maintain a force capable of confronting terrorism and other evolving security threats across the country.
It noted that only candidates who meet strict performance standards will advance in the highly competitive programme.
Speaking during the exercise, Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Edeama Akpan, said the evaluation was designed to ensure that only the fittest and most determined trainees continue with the course.
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He stressed that Special Forces operators are often deployed in hostile and austere environments, making rigorous training and uncompromising standards essential to mission success.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, also reiterated the importance of realistic training in enhancing operational effectiveness.
“The security challenges confronting our nation demand personnel who are physically robust, mentally resilient and operationally decisive.
“Through realistic training and uncompromising standards, the Nigerian Air Force will continue to produce Special Forces operators capable of taking the fight to the enemy and defending Nigeria’s sovereignty wherever duty calls,” he stated.
The air force said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen operational capability and support ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide, ensuring that only the most capable personnel are entrusted with critical national security missions.


