Nigerian Air Force Regiment
| Nigerian Air Force Regiment | |
|---|---|
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| Active | 2015 – present |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| Branch |  Nigerian Air Force |
| Type | |
| Role | |
| Size | 1,000 |
| Part of | NAF Special Operations Command |
| Nickname(s) | "The Bulwarks" "Panthers" |
| Commanders | |
| Director of Regiment (Doregt) | Air Commodore I Subi |
The Nigerian Air Force Regiment (NAF Regiment)[2] is component of the Nigerian Air Force that serves as a specialist airfield and defense corps.
Operations[edit]
They serve to defend NAF bases, airfields and aircraft as well as protect VIPs.[3] After the attacks by Boko Haram on Nigerian Air Force installations during their insurgency, the command decided to create a specialist unit capable of providing security and protecting the Air Force interests and its bases across the country, in especially conflict zones like the North East, Maiduguri.[4] The regiment is currently operating in internal security operations in 14 states.[5] In early 2021, seven NAF Regiment servicemen died in an ambush by 100 terrorists in Kaduna State.[6]
Structure[3][edit]
- VIP Protection Squad
- Special Operations Force
- Regiment Training Centre
- Quick Response Force (QRF)
Quick Response Force[edit]
The Quick Response Force (QRF) is a unit in the regiment capable of the quick deployment of its forces to provide counter-terrorism and security for various Nigerian Air Force installations, such as bases, military assets from which the Air Force operates from. These security forces consist of elite military units such as special operations or paratroopers which are trained at a higher combat level than the regular military units.
Training[edit]
Its training and nature of operations are equivalent to the RAF Regiment of Great Britain, the training was undertaken by the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT).[7] They also train in various countries such as Belarus, China and Pakistan.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Laird, Robbin (February 25, 2020). "An Update on the Nigerian Air Force: Anticipated Arrival of JF-17 Fighter Jets".
- ^ "News - Nigerian Air Force". www.airforce.mil.ng. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ a b DOCUMENTARY: "NIGERIAN AIR FORCE REGIMENT AND SPECIAL FORCES", retrieved 2021-05-29
- ^ "Nigeria militants attack airbase". BBC News. December 2, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ^ a b "NAF Special Forces: Bridging the Gap Between Air Projections and Force Protection". THISDAYLIVE. 2019-03-27. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "Nigeria Air Force Loses 7 Men In Kaduna Terrorist Ambush". HumAngle. 2021-02-14. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
- ^ "UK military chief visits British training team in Nigeria". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2019.