From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Army has moved to strengthen the battlefield capability of its personnel against evolving security threats by deploying 600 troops to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training.
The Nigerian Army said the programme, initiated under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is designed to sharpen troops’ combat proficiency in difficult terrains and strengthen the force’s capacity to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The deployment comes as Nigerian troops continue operations against terrorists, insurgents and other armed groups that increasingly exploit forests, mountains and other difficult-to-access areas as hideouts and operational bases.
The first batch of 300 personnel departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft – a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Coordinator, Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, represented Shaibu at the departure and witnessed the airlift alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who announced the deployment in a statement on Friday, said arrangements were underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India.
According to the Army, the specialised programme strengthen the battlefield capability of its Army against evolving security threats, improve operational manoeuvrability and strengthen their ability to operate effectively in challenging environments.
It is also expected to enhance the capacity of troops to penetrate difficult terrain and deny terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements safe havens from which they could plan, coordinate and launch attacks.
The Army said the deployment underscores Shaibu’s drive to build a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting the country’s evolving security threats.
It said the initiative also aligns with the COAS’s Command Philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and enhanced combat readiness.
Beyond its immediate operational objectives, the training is expected to strengthen military cooperation between Nigeria and India, particularly in specialised warfare training and capacity development.
The Army said Shaibu remained committed to sustaining a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
