The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to boost the operational readiness of its special forces, through specialized intelligence and security training aimed at improving the capabilities in combating emerging security threats and protecting civilians.
As part of the initiative, the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) in Bauchi, has conducted a comprehensive training programme on intelligence and security in special forces operations for participants of Special Forces Course 13/2026.
The exercise focused on enhancing operational awareness, intelligence application, and mission effectiveness in modern conflict environments marked by insurgency, terrorism, and asymmetric warfare.
Key Highlights:
- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to improve the operational readiness of its special forces through specialized intelligence and security training.
- The training was conducted by the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, for participants of Special Forces Course 13/2026, focusing on modern security challenges such as insurgency, terrorism, and asymmetric warfare.
- Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, emphasized that intelligence is essential for mission planning, surveillance, threat assessment, target identification, and force protection.
- The programme, facilitated by Squadron Leader E. Miji, covered intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, counterintelligence, operational threat assessment, and information analysis, alongside practical simulation exercises.
- The initiative aligns with the vision of Sunday Aneke to build a highly skilled, combat-ready force capable of tackling emerging threats, supporting counterinsurgency operations, and protecting civilians.
Speaking during the programme, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, commandant of RTCA Bauchi, highlighted the importance of intelligence in the success of special operations.
According to him, effective intelligence remains critical for mission planning, surveillance, threat assessment, target identification, and force protection.
He stressed that every special forces operative must possess solid knowledge of intelligence processes, operational security, and information management to effectively carry out assigned missions.
The training was facilitated by the Command Intelligence Officer at headquarters Special Operations Command, Squadron Leader E. Miji, who lectured participants on intelligence gathering techniques, surveillance and reconnaissance, counterintelligence, operational threat assessment, and information analysis.
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Participants also took part in practical exercises and simulated operational scenarios designed to sharpen analytical thinking, situational awareness, and decision-making under pressure.
The exercises provided hands-on experience on the practical application of intelligence in special operations while reinforcing professionalism, vigilance, and security consciousness during missions.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, toward building a highly skilled and combat-ready force capable of neutralising emerging threats, supporting counterinsurgency operations, and safeguarding national security and civilian lives.
