The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commenced the deployment of 600 Nigerian Army personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training to strengthen the military’s capacity to combat terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in difficult terrains.
The first batch of 300 personnel departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The statement said the training was aimed at enhancing troops’ combat proficiency in challenging environments and strengthening the Army’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
It added that arrangements were underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the specialised programme.
Major-General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, represented the COAS at the departure ceremony.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present to witness the departure of the first batch of personnel.
According to the Army, the deployment reflects Shaibu’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats across the country.
The training is expected to equip the personnel with advanced skills for conducting military operations in dense forests, mountainous regions and other difficult terrains that often provide cover for terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups.
The Army said the programme would also improve troops’ operational manoeuvrability and strengthen their capacity to deny criminal elements safe havens in areas that are difficult for security forces to access.
Nigeria has continued to face security challenges involving insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in different parts of the country, with some armed groups exploiting remote forests and difficult terrain to evade security operations.
The Army said the specialised training aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and improved combat readiness.
It added that the initiative was part of efforts to sustain a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
Beyond improving the capabilities of the participating soldiers, the training is also expected to strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to developing personnel with the skills and operational adaptability required to confront security threats in complex environments.