The Nigerian Airforce has inaugurated its first Special Commando Village in South West, in Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun state for the training of special operatives to be deployed for high calibre missions.
The NAF also flagged off course 2/2020 of the Combat Search and Rescue training programme for its personnel.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the commando village was necessitated by the need to rise to challenges of modern day security threats around the world which are caused by non-state actors and are fought in built up areas such as towns and villages.
“To overcome such insecurity, we need to give our personnel training in such environment which has its own complexities and where they are expected to function.
Represented by the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, the CAS said, “As we all know, the urban terrains are characterized by certain peculiarities such as human population, narrow roads and buildings with various openings thereby exposing troops to ambush, while increasing the possibility of loss of civilian lives”.
“Accordingly, armed forces around the world develop mock villages to train their personnel on techniques, tactics and procedures necessary for defeating adversaries hiding in such environment in order to reduce collateral damage.
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“In line with this reality and the desire of the CAS to reposition the Nigerian Air Force into a highly disciplined and professional force through capacity building initiatives for effective employment of air power in maintenance of internal security, that is why I am here to represent the CAS to commission this Commando Village and to inaugurate the Combat Search and Rescue Course 2/2020”.
AVM Amin continued, “You would recall that during the Nigerian Air Force operational exercise tagged Exercise Buje Ekun in December 2019, the CAS pronounced that efforts were on to improve the training facilities at NAF Base Ipetu-Ijesa for the training of our personnel in specific areas of needs such as jungle warfare given the terrain advantage.
“Today’s commissioning ceremony marks the fulfillment of that pronouncement.”
“Let me reiterate that the CAS will continue to provide conducive environment for realistic training and on our part, at Ground Training Command, we will make the best use of these facilities to develop personnel operational skills and at the same time ensure proper maintenance of the Village.
“To the Course that is being inaugurated today, you will be the first to use these facilities.
“I want to urge you to make the best use of this opportunity by being disciplined, focused on your training and ensuring a harmonious relationship with our host community.
“The Nigerian Air Force has invested so much to build your capacity for service delivery.
“You should reciprocate this investment through your commitment to studies and being innovative as we collectively find solutions to challenges bedeviling our country.”
“We are indeed grateful to the Government for this support and we promise that we will continue to sustain our efforts towards enhancing nation building.
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