By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Bauchi State Command, has intensified efforts to strengthen counter-improvised explosive device (IED) warfare capabilities among its Special Forces personnel.
The specialized training, conducted at the NAF Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, focused on the identification and handling of improvised explosive devices for trainees of Special Forces Course 13/2026. The exercise was designed to enhance the trainees’ situational awareness, force protection capabilities, and operational effectiveness in tackling explosive threats in contemporary conflict environments.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, said the training aligned with the Centre’s mandate of producing resilient and combat-ready special forces personnel capable of operating effectively in volatile and complex operational environments. He stressed the importance of equipping personnel with the tactical knowledge required to detect, identify, and safely respond to explosive threats during operations.
Squadron Leader Akpan further noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has continued to prioritize realistic training, operational adaptability, and mission-oriented capacity development to ensure NAF personnel remain proactive and effective in counterterrorism and other special operations.
During the practical sessions, trainees were exposed to different forms of IEDs, threat indicators, and safety procedures relevant to combat operations. The NPF EOD Team also demonstrated the detonation mechanism of pressure plate IEDs and educated participants on the major components of explosive devices, including initiators, power sources, charges, containers, and switch mechanisms.
The exercise also highlighted the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening national security efforts and improving operational effectiveness against insurgency, terrorism, and other asymmetric threats confronting the country.
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