Nigerian Army Graduates 1,182 Special Forces Soldiers to Strengthen Fight Against Terrorism
The Nigerian Army has graduated 1,182 Special Forces soldiers following six months of intensive training aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The soldiers completed the 10th Advanced Infantry Training Programme, Exercise Restore Hope X, 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 trained, disciplined and combat-ready personnel capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s changing security environment.
Shaibu noted that the training comes at a critical time as the Army expands its formations and strengthens its operational capacity across the country. According to him, many of the newly trained soldiers will form part of the core personnel for newly established Army formations approved as part of the ongoing expansion of the military.
The Chief of Army Staff charged the graduates to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism while carrying out their duties. He particularly urged them to respect human rights, the rule of law and established rules of engagement during military operations.
He also encouraged the soldiers to remain physically fit, technologically proficient and adaptable, stressing that security threats are constantly evolving and require personnel capable of responding to new tactics employed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, described the graduation as another important milestone in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to develop a professional and effective fighting force.
He explained that the six-month programme exposed the soldiers to advanced military skills, including tactical operations, marksmanship, combat medicine, leadership, field craft, endurance and counter-insurgency operations.
Okoro further disclosed that the programme is now being fully managed by Nigerian instructors, reflecting the Army’s growing capacity to conduct specialised training locally. He added that lessons and experiences gathered during Exercise Restore Hope X would be used to improve subsequent training programmes.
The graduation ceremony also featured practical demonstrations by the newly trained personnel, showcasing the combat and tactical skills they acquired during the programme.
The graduation of the 1,182 Special Forces soldiers is expected to further boost the Nigerian Army’s operational strength as security forces continue efforts to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the country.
