The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has commenced the screening of Nigerian Army personnel for Special Forces training as part of efforts to strengthen joint warfighting capability and inter-service collaboration.
The exercise is being conducted by the Regiment Training Centre Annex, RTCA, Bauchi, and began with comprehensive medical examinations and rigorous physical fitness assessments.
According to the NAF, the screening is designed to evaluate candidates’ medical suitability, physical endurance, and overall readiness for the demanding Special Forces programme. It marks the first critical step in preparing highly capable operators for complex and high-risk operational environments.
The Air Force said the initiative underscores its commitment to reinforcing joint operations through professional military training and sustained cooperation with sister services.
“By providing specialised training opportunities for personnel of sister services, the NAF continues to enhance interoperability, deepen mutual understanding and build a more integrated and mission-ready Armed Forces capable of delivering coordinated effects across the joint battlespace,” the statement said.
The programme reflects the Service’s strategic focus on strengthening operational readiness in support of national security objectives.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, described the screening as a critical phase in producing competent and mission-ready Special Forces operators.
He noted that Special Forces personnel play a pivotal role in counter-terrorism and other high-risk operations, requiring specialised skills in special reconnaissance, direct action, precision strikes, and operating in austere environments.
“The programme exemplifies the synergy and jointness that underpin the Armed Forces of Nigeria, reflecting the NAF’s enduring commitment to training excellence and stronger inter-service cooperation,” Squadron Leader Akpan added.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly professional, interoperable, and mission-ready Armed Forces capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.