From Noah Ebije,  Kaduna

Speaking during the opening of the Special Operations Forces training at Camp Kabala located within the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, yesterday, Minister of Defence, Mohammed 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.

“Looking ahead, the programme will be sustained and expanded to accommodate more personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces.

“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.

“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 program 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 programme, 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.”

Chief of Army Staff, General Christopher Musa said the ceremony was a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring that its armed forces are well equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to address contemporary challenges.

General Musa noted that the training could not have come at a better time, “as we are all aware of the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the unique challenges posed by asymmetric threats in our country.  The situation demands that our forces be well-trained, equipped, and capable of responding swiftly, effectively and decisively. It is in this context that the training of this Special Operations Force is highly desired, as they represent the cutting edge of our military’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to threats, both within and beyond our borders.”

He expressed optimism that the Special Operations Force will be pivotal in the Military’s efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency, and other activities inimical to security.

Governor Uba Sani who was the special guest of honour at the event, 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.