The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, on Monday launched the first phase of a special training program for 800 personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces tasked with conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.
The training, held at Camp Kabala in the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, marks a crucial step in equipping personnel with the necessary skills for rapid-response missions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the country’s persistent and evolving security challenges.
Badaru emphasized that the modern security landscape necessitates the development of an elite force proficient in unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and swift response to threats. The trained personnel will be prepared for operations in diverse environments, ranging from urban areas to hostile zones.
“The training is designed to cultivate highly skilled forces capable of executing specialized operations. This includes counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and rescue missions. The aim is to ensure that these personnel can respond swiftly and effectively to the dynamic security landscape,” the minister said.
He added that the elite force would play a vital role in enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats, both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“This program has been meticulously designed to ensure that participants are well-trained in special combat tactics. Upon completion, these troops will be ready for high-risk missions, ensuring that Nigeria can address security concerns proactively,” Badaru stated.
The minister also underscored the importance of fostering collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, reflecting the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges. He highlighted that this training would test not only the technical skills of the personnel but also their physical and mental resilience, preparing them for high-pressure situations where leadership and teamwork are paramount.
“This initiative is the first phase in a long-term strategy to build a world-class special operations force within the Nigerian military,” Badaru added. The overall goal is to train 2,400 personnel over time, creating a highly skilled and mission-ready force capable of tackling the nation’s most pressing security threats.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and investment in the nation’s security, particularly in providing state-of-the-art equipment and prioritizing the welfare of personnel.
In a show of solidarity, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, hailed the program as a significant milestone in the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges. He affirmed that modern warfare requires a military force capable of swift, decisive, and effective responses to emerging threats.
Gen. Musa also noted that the training would support his vision for a professional, people-centric military, capable of responding to Nigeria’s constitutional responsibilities in a collaborative manner.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, commended the federal government for prioritizing the training and equipping of the armed forces. The governor highlighted that the training program is essential for building an elite force that can respond to a wide range of threats, from insurgency and banditry to cyberattacks and transnational crimes.
“As the host state, we take great pride in supporting this initiative. We recognize the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and remain committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure this training’s success,” Sani remarked. He further urged the trainees to stay focused, disciplined, and fully dedicated to the task ahead, underscoring their responsibility as guardians of Nigeria’s peace and security.
The ongoing training program is a critical step in addressing the country’s security challenges and building a robust military force that can safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens in the face of rapidly changing threats.
