The Nigerian Army has graduated a special forces battalion following six months of intensive training to combat terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats. The graduation ceremony was held at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa state, and was attended by Waidi Shaibu, the chief of army staff. The battalion is expected to boost the army's ability to execute specialised missions and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.
According to Shaibu, the army's divisions have been expanded from eight to 12, increasing the need for specialised troops to support operations and extend security coverage across the country. The growing use of drones, improvised explosive devices, and other battlefield tactics by armed groups has made adaptability and advanced combat skills increasingly important. The army chief emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven missions, technological competence, and collaboration with other military services and security agencies.
The six-month course equipped the soldiers with combat skills and prepared them to withstand the physical and psychological demands of difficult operational environments. The training included exercises at a 20-obstacle course described as the army's most complex, as well as a maze designed to help personnel overcome the challenges of working in darkness and confined spaces. The soldiers were also trained to demonstrate discipline, precision, and sound judgment while respecting human rights during operations.
Shaibu urged the newly graduated soldiers to respect human rights during operations and warned against pursuing military objectives at the expense of public trust. He praised the instructors and training partners for helping to prepare the personnel for operational duties. The army chief also emphasised the importance of collaboration with other military services and security agencies to achieve the army's objectives.
Valentine Okoro, the army's chief of training, said the curriculum reflected current operational needs and incorporated lessons drawn from ongoing military engagements. The training was designed to prepare the soldiers for complex missions and to operate in challenging environments. Okoro also emphasised the importance of continuous training and professional development for army personnel.
Umar Abubakar, commandant of the Special Forces School, said the graduands have completed demanding physical and tactical exercises designed to prepare them for complex missions. The commandant praised the graduands for their hard work and dedication during the training period. He also emphasised the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving the army's objectives.
The graduation of the special forces battalion is a significant boost to the army's capacity to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. The army's efforts to strengthen its capacity to address security threats have been ongoing, with a focus on training and capacity building. The special forces battalion is expected to play a key role in the army's efforts to secure the country and protect its citizens.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army has graduated a special forces battalion to combat terrorism and insurgency.
- The battalion was trained for six months and equipped with combat skills and advanced training.
- The army chief emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven missions, technological competence, and collaboration with other military services and security agencies.
