1,182 Special Forces Join Army’s Battle Against Terrorism, Banditry

The Nigerian Army has graduated 1,182 Special Forces soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

The soldiers completed the 10th Advanced Infantry Training Programme, Exercise Restore Hope X, following six months of intensive training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said the programme was designed to produce highly skilled and combat-ready soldiers capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He noted that many of the graduates would form the core of newly established Army formations approved under the military’s ongoing expansion.
Shaibu urged the soldiers to maintain discipline, uphold human rights, respect the rule of law and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement during operations. He also charged them to remain physically fit, technologically proficient and adaptable to the changing tactics employed by criminal groups.
The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, described the graduation as another milestone in the Army’s efforts to develop a professional and effective fighting force. He said the trainees received advanced instruction in tactical operations, marksmanship, combat medicine, leadership, field craft, endurance and counter-insurgency.
Okoro added that the programme is now fully managed by Nigerian instructors, noting that lessons from the latest exercise would be used to further improve future training.
The ceremony ended with practical demonstrations showcasing the combat skills acquired by the graduating Special Forces troops.