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Photo of the special forces courtesy of Zagazola
By SUMAILA OGBAJE
The Nigerian Army has graduated a full-fledged Special Forces battalion to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and tackle emerging security threats across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said this at the graduation ceremony at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma, Nasarawa, on Friday.
Shaibu said the new battalion would enhance the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations, penetrate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.
He explained that the Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions required corresponding specialised capabilities to sustain operational readiness and extend security coverage nationwide.
The COAS said the battalion would strengthen field formations’ ability to counter evolving threats, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices and other emerging tactics by adversaries.
He disclosed that the graduands had completed six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability.
Shaibu charged the personnel to uphold discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights, stressing that tactical success must not undermine public confidence.
He also emphasised intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and cooperation with sister Services and other security agencies as essential to achieving sustainable security outcomes.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, said the training was designed around contemporary operational demands and lessons from ongoing military operations.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brig.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the graduands.
The school’s facilities include a 20-obstacle course and what the Army described as its first-ever maze, designed to strengthen soldiers’ resilience, spatial orientation and ability to operate in darkness and confined spaces.
The COAS commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to developing a highly trained and mission-ready force. (NAN)
