The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities through the provision of modern military equipment, improved personnel welfare, and specialized training programs.
Badaru made this statement during the opening ceremony of the First Batch of Special Operations Force Training and Equipping for the Armed Forces of Nigeria at Camp Kabala in Jaji, Kaduna State.
According to the Minister, the initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s military response to evolving security threats. “This milestone demonstrates our dedication to ensuring our forces remain among the best-trained and most resilient in the world,” he stated.
He underscored the need for an elite force equipped with advanced tactics in unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions. “Our vision is to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of conducting specialized operations in complex environments,” Badaru said.
The Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative to enhance operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats. The force is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining regional peace.
The Minister highlighted that the training will cover special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue missions.
“Participants will be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environments, ensuring adaptability to dynamic threats,” he explained. He further emphasized that the inter-agency approach will foster collaboration among personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies.
Recognizing the mental resilience required for such operations, Badaru noted that the training will challenge participants’ physical and psychological endurance while reinforcing leadership skills, discipline, and teamwork.
“Upon completion of this intensive program, we anticipate a force capable of executing high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency,” he added.
The first batch comprises 800 trainees out of a planned total of 2,400 personnel, forming part of a long-term strategy to establish world-class special operations capabilities.
Badaru assured that trainees would continue refining their skills with access to specialized courses in counter-insurgency, cyber warfare, and strategic reconnaissance. He also emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with allied nations and international defence institutions to adopt best practices.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, commended the vital role of Special Operations Forces in modern military strategy. He noted their significance in counterterrorism and high-risk operations requiring exceptional tactical expertise.
Aduda praised the dedication of the instructors and facilitators, acknowledging their role in shaping the next generation of elite military personnel.
The Minister concluded by encouraging the trainees to demonstrate resilience and dedication. “This will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of your career. Your commitment will define Nigeria’s security landscape,” Badaru stated.
