The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to enhance operational readiness through specialised intelligence and security training aimed at strengthening the capabilities of its special forces personnel in tackling emerging security threats and protecting civilian lives.

As part of the initiative, the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, organised a comprehensive training programme on Intelligence and Security in Special Forces Operations for participants of Special Forces Course 13/2026.

The training was designed to improve operational awareness, intelligence application and mission effectiveness within contemporary operational environments characterised by asymmetric warfare, insurgency and terrorism.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, highlighted the importance of intelligence in the success of special operations.

According to him, effective intelligence plays a vital role in mission planning, threat assessment, surveillance, target identification and force protection.

Akpan stressed that every special forces operator must possess adequate knowledge of intelligence processes, operational security and information management to successfully execute assigned missions.

He noted that the evolving nature of security challenges requires personnel who are not only combat-ready but also equipped with the skills needed to gather, process and utilise intelligence effectively in the field.

In his lecture, the Command Intelligence Officer at Headquarters Special Operations Command, Squadron Leader E. Miji, exposed the trainees to critical aspects of intelligence operations.

The sessions covered intelligence gathering techniques, surveillance and reconnaissance, counterintelligence, information analysis and operational threat assessment.

The training also featured practical exercises and simulated operational scenarios aimed at testing the participants’ analytical thinking, situational awareness and decision-making abilities under pressure.

According to the organisers, the simulations provided trainees with practical insight into the application of intelligence in special operations while reinforcing the importance of vigilance, professionalism and security consciousness during mission execution.

The Nigerian Air Force said the initiative reflects the sustained commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to building a highly skilled, mission-ready and combat-effective force capable of neutralising emerging threats, supporting counterinsurgency operations and safeguarding national security and civilian lives.