Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Enhances Capacity

The Nigerian Air Force Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA) Bauchi, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), conducted a comprehensive training programme on the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026.

The training was designed to deepen the trainees’ understanding of the legal and humanitarian principles guiding military operations, particularly within the complexities of contemporary counter-insurgency and asymmetric warfare environments.

The initiative further reflects the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to build a highly professional, disciplined and mission-oriented force capable of achieving operational success while upholding internationally accepted standards of conduct.

Speaking during the event, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, stated that the training aligns with the Centre’s mandate of producing highly professional and mission-ready special forces personnel capable of operating effectively within established legal and ethical frameworks.

He stressed that modern military operations require not only tactical competence and operational effectiveness, but also strict adherence to internationally accepted laws governing armed conflict and the protection of human dignity during hostilities.

In line with the strategic guidance of the CAS, he noted that “success in counter-insurgency operations is not measured by firepower alone, but by discipline, precision and the ability to protect the population while neutralising threats.”

During the training, the ICRC representative, Major Bello Badamasi (rtd), enlightened the trainees on key aspects of LOAC and IHL, including the protection of civilians, treatment of wounded personnel and detainees, distinction between combatants and non-combatants, as well as the principles of humanity, necessity and proportionality during operations.

The interactive session provided valuable insights into professionalism, discipline and lawful conduct during military engagements, while further underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships and continuous capacity development in enhancing operational effectiveness within ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.