The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday pledged to enhance its capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other security challenges facing the country.

Therefore, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal, Sunday Aneke, directed personnel to intensify offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

He issued the orders during the final Physical Fitness Test for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) Bauchi, where he expressed the NAF’s commitment to strengthening its operational effectiveness through rigorous and realistic Special Forces training. Aneke said the changing security environment requires personnel who are physically fit, mentally resilient and fully prepared for complex operational tasks.

He said: “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to train, equip and deploy personnel capable of taking the fight to terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements wherever they may be found.

“Those who threaten innocent citizens, terrorise communities and undermine the peace of our nation must understand that there will be no sanctuary for criminality. “Our resolve is unwavering, and our commitment to protecting Nigerians remains absolute.”

According to the CAS, the evolving security landscape demands highly trained and mission-ready personnel capable of responding decisively to emerging threats. Speaking during the exercise, RTCA Bauchi Commandant Squadron Leader, Edeama Lawrence Akpan, said the assessment was designed to ensure that only trainees who demonstrate exceptional physical fitness, determination and operational readiness continue on the course.