The Federal Government has launched a Special Operation Forces training programme, assembling 800 soldiers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, aimed at enhancing the country’s operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while launching the Special Operations
Forces training at Camp Kabala at the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna, on Monday, said the training was designed at building a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialised operations in diverse and complex environments.
The Minister noted that the evolving nature of security challenges today demanded an elite force that was not only well-equipped but also well-trained in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions.
He said, “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 interagency 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.
“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 Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasised the importance of the training, stating that it was crucial in achieving “convergence,” the ability to synchronise and integrate kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to generate concurrent effects across all domains faster and more effectively than the enemy.
“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 said.
Musa, however, expressed optimism that the Special Operations Force would be pivotal in the military’s efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency, and other activities inimical to security.
“I am also impressed with the state-of-the-art training facility, which will no doubt enhance the efficient training of personnel of our armed forces.
“I want to, therefore, thank the Ministry of Defence for taking this bold step in ensuring today’s event comes to fruition.
“This will significantly add to the actualisation of my leadership concept of “nurturing a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment.”
“To the 800 gallant men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who have availed themselves for this training after a detailed selection process, I commend your dedication and patriotism. You are the vanguard of a new chapter in our defence narrative.
“I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead with an unwavering spirit.
“The training is going to be rigorous and tough, but with determination and the right mindset, you will scale through.
“You must be committed to the training, as this program is designed to ensure that you are prepared for any operational scenario you will encounter in the field,” he added.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator 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.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the governor noted that, “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.
“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,” he said.
FG Launches New Special Forces Unit To Tackle Terrorism is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
