The Federal Government has assembled 800 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force for training as Special Operations Forces to boost the Nation’s security architecture and enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats bedeviling the Country.

Speaking during the opening of the Special Operations Forces training at Camp Kabala located with the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State on Monday, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar said the training is aimed at building a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diverse and complex environments.

The Minister noted the evolving nature of security challenges today, demands an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also well-trained in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions. 

According to him. “This Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats that bedevil our great nation. This Special Operations Force will serve as a critical pillar in securing our national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability within and beyond our borders.

“This training has been meticulously designed to develop highly skilled personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and hostage rescue missions. 

“The programme will prepare trainees for high-risk missions in both urban and hostile environments, ensuring they can adapt to dynamic threats. Given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, the training will foster seamless collaboration among personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force, as well as other security agencies.

“It is pertinent to note that Special Operations require not only technical skills but also mental toughness and endurance. Accordingly, the training will test and refine the physical and psychological resilience of our troops. Additionally, it will emphasize leadership under pressure, fostering a sense of duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants.

“At the end of this rigorous training program, we expect to have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency. This would be a significant improvement in our ability to neutralize threats and respond proactively to security challenges. 

“The newly trained Special Operations Force will be deployed to critical areas across the country, reinforcing our national security architecture. I assure you that this training is only the beginning. We expect trainees to continue honing their skills, adapting to new threats, and upholding the highest military standards.

“This inauguration is for the first batch of 800 out of 2,400 to be trained as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capability within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.Looking ahead, the program will be sustained and expanded to accommodate more personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces,” the Minister said.

He expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s committed to equipping the Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.

Chief of Army Staff General Christopher Musa said the ceremony was a significant milestone in the commitment to enhancing national security.

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said the move was a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, combating emerging threats, and ensuring the safety of Nigeria.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani noted: “in today’s security environment, the threats we face keep evolving, from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes. In response to these, we must equip our Armed Forces with the best training, cutting-edge tactics, and the resilience needed to overcome these challenges.

“This Special Operations Force Training is a bold step towards preparing a new generation of elite troops capable of defending our sovereignty with precision, intelligence, and courage. The training will also enable strategic thinking, decisive action and leading with honour.”