By Nkechi Eze
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 enhance counter-improvised explosive device warfare capabilities through a specialized training programme for Special Forces personnel in Bauchi State.
The training exercise was conducted by the NAF Regiment Training Centre Annex (RTCA), Bauchi, for participants of Special Forces Course 13/2026 as part of measures aimed at improving operational effectiveness, force protection, and situational awareness in contemporary combat environments.
The exercise focused on equipping trainees with the tactical and technical knowledge required to identify, detect, and respond effectively to improvised explosive device (IED) threats commonly encountered during counterterrorism and special operations.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commandant of RTCA Bauchi, Squadron Leader Lawrence Akpan, stated that the training aligned with the Centre’s mandate of producing resilient, combat-ready, and mission-oriented special forces personnel capable of operating efficiently in volatile and complex operational theatres.
He stressed the importance of exposing personnel to realistic operational scenarios and modern threat dynamics, particularly in the area of explosive hazards and asymmetric warfare.
Squadron Leader Akpan further noted that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has continued to prioritize realistic combat training, operational adaptability, and mission-focused capacity development to ensure NAF personnel remain proactive and decisive during operations.
During the practical sessions, trainees were introduced to different forms of IEDs, threat indicators, and safety procedures applicable in combat situations.
The Nigeria Police Force EOD Team also carried out live practical demonstrations on the detonation mechanisms of pressure plate IEDs while exposing participants to the critical components of explosive devices, including containers, initiators, explosive charges, power sources, and switch mechanisms.
The exercise provided the trainees with operational insight into the construction, identification, and functioning of explosive devices frequently deployed by insurgents and other criminal elements during operations.
The collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police Force further highlighted the growing importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture and improving operational responses against terrorism, insurgency, and other asymmetric threats across the country.
