Army graduates special forces battalion to bolster fight against terrorism

The Nigerian Army has graduated a special forces battalion following six months of intensive training, in a bid to strengthen its capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reports that Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff (COAS), announced the development on Friday at the graduation ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa state.

Shaibu described the battalion as a boost to the army’s ability to execute specialised missions, navigate challenging terrain and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

He said expanding the army’s divisions from eight to 12 increased the need for specialised troops to support operations and extend security coverage across the country.

Shaibu noted that the growing use of drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other battlefield tactics by armed groups has made adaptability and advanced combat skills increasingly important.

According to Makama, the six-month course equipped the soldiers with combat skills and prepared them to withstand the physical and psychological demands of difficult operational environments.

The training included exercises at a 20-obstacle course described as the army’s most complex of its kind, as well as a maze designed to help personnel overcome the challenges of working in darkness and confined spaces.

Shaibu urged the newly graduated soldiers to demonstrate discipline, precision and sound judgment while respecting human rights during operations.

He warned against pursuing military objectives at the expense of public trust, harping on the importance of intelligence-driven missions, technological competence and collaboration with other military services and security agencies.

The army chief also praised the instructors and training partners for helping to prepare the personnel for operational duties.

Also speaking, Valentine Okoro, the army’s chief of training, said the curriculum reflected current operational needs and incorporated lessons drawn from ongoing military engagements.

Umar Abubakar, commandant of the Special Forces School, said the graduands have completed demanding physical and tactical exercises designed to prepare them for complex missions.