Nigerian Army Graduates 1,182 Special Forces Troops to Strengthen Anti-Terror Operations

Nigerian Army Graduates 1,182 Special Forces Troops to Strengthen Anti-Terror Operations

The Nigerian Army has graduated 1,182 Special Forces personnel to reinforce its ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.

The troops completed the 10th Advanced Infantry Training Programme, codenamed Exercise Restore Hope X, after undergoing six months of rigorous military training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kachia, Kaduna State.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the programme was designed to produce highly skilled, combat-ready soldiers capable of tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to him, many of the newly trained Special Forces personnel will form the backbone of newly established Army formations approved as part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion aimed at improving operational effectiveness across the country.

Shaibu charged the graduating soldiers to remain disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties, stressing the importance of respecting human rights, adhering to the rule of law, and strictly observing the military’s rules of engagement during operations.

He also urged them to maintain a high level of physical fitness, embrace emerging military technologies, and continuously adapt to the changing tactics employed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the graduation as another significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s drive to build a more professional, capable, and effective fighting force.

Okoro said the trainees received comprehensive instruction in advanced tactical operations, marksmanship, combat medicine, leadership, field craft, endurance training, and counter-insurgency operations.

He further disclosed that the training programme is now fully conducted by Nigerian military instructors, reflecting the Army’s growing institutional capacity. He added that lessons learned from the latest exercise would be incorporated into future training programmes to further enhance operational readiness.

The graduation ceremony concluded with practical combat demonstrations by the Special Forces personnel, showcasing the advanced tactical skills and operational capabilities they acquired during the six-month intensive training.

The graduation comes as the Nigerian military continues to intensify efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity affecting various parts of the country.