By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu is committed to providing modern military equipment , prioritizing welfare of personnel and trainings for operational effectiveness.
The defence minister stated this 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.
He said, “This milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities, enhancing our response to evolving security threats, and ensuring that our forces remain among the best-trained and most resilient in the world.”
He outlined the necessity for an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also proficient in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions, adding, “Our vision is to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diverse and complex environments.”
According to him, the Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at improving operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats facing our nation. It will serve as a critical pillar in securing national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability both within and beyond our borders.
Badaru further stated that the training program is meticulously designed to develop personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue mission.
“Trainees will be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environments, ensuring adaptability to dynamic threats. Given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, this training will promote seamless collaboration among personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies,” he explained.
Recognizing that Special Operations require not only technical skills but also mental resilience, he emphasized that the training will rigorously test and refine the physical and psychological endurance of our troops.
“Emphasis will be placed on leadership under pressure, fostering duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants,” he stated.
According to the Minister: “Upon completion of this intensive training program, we anticipate a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency. This will enhance our ability to neutralize threats and proactively respond to security challenges. The newly trained Special Operations Force will be deployed to critical areas nationwide, reinforcing our national security architecture,” he said.
The Minister assured that the training is merely the beginning, as trainees will continue to hone their skills and adapt to new threats while upholding the highest military standards.
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In a statement by Iyogun Sunday of the Information and Public Relations unit, the inauguration marks the first batch of 800 trainees out of a planned total of 2,400, as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capabilities within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The program will be sustained and expanded to include personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces. The President and Commander-in-Chief, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to equipping our Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
