The Nigerian military has launched an elite combat unit to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
The Special Operations Force (SOF), comprising 2,400 personnel, is undergoing rigorous training at Camp Kabala in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
The first batch of 800 soldiers is currently being prepared for high-risk missions.
Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who unveiled the initiative, stated that the training is designed to enhance the operational efficiency of security forces in addressing asymmetric threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.
He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to equipping the force with advanced weaponry, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools.
Badaru emphasized that the program aims to develop highly skilled personnel capable of executing specialized operations in challenging environments.
He noted that the training would focus on counterterrorism tactics, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue missions while fostering collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
He highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare and stressed the importance of equipping military personnel with the necessary skills to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Nigeria continues to face security challenges, with terrorist groups operating in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and Northcentral, and kidnapping incidents spreading to the Southwest.
Meanwhile, the Southeast remains under pressure from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while the South-South region grapples with oil theft and pipeline sabotage.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy Hadiza Balarabe, commended the training initiative as a crucial step in safeguarding national security.
He noted that evolving threats require advanced military tactics and resilience, urging the trainees to embrace the rigorous training to prepare for complex operations.
The SOF training is part of a long-term strategy to build a world-class special operations unit within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Officials assured that the program would be expanded to accommodate more personnel in the future.