Nigerian Army graduates 1,178 special forces troops to boost anti-terror war

The Nigerian Army has significantly bolstered its counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency efforts by graduating 1,178 Special Forces troops. These soldiers completed the 10th batch of the Advanced Infantry Training Programme, a rigorous six-month course conducted under "Exercise Restore Hope X" at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kachia, Kaduna State.

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The programme is designed to instil the warrior ethos, sharpen combat skills and prepare our soldiers to confront emerging security threats.

During the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, urged the troops to uphold human rights and the rule of law while confronting the nation's security challenges. He emphasized that the program is a cornerstone of the army's post-basic training, designed to produce a professional, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of addressing evolving threats like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and separatist agitations.

Shaibu noted that this graduation coincides with the army's ongoing expansion, approved by President Bola Tinubu, which includes the establishment of additional divisions, formations, and units. Many of the graduating special forces personnel will form the foundation of these newly created formations, enhancing the army's operational capacity across the country.

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Our adversaries continue to evolve in tactics and sophistication. You must remain adaptable, innovative, physically fit, mentally alert and technologically proficient to defeat them.

The Army Chief stressed the importance of adaptability, innovation, and technological proficiency for the soldiers to defeat adversaries who continue to evolve in tactics. He reminded them to remain morally upright, conduct themselves professionally, and strictly observe the rules of engagement, ensuring the protection of civilian rights.

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I charge you to remain morally upright and conduct yourselves in a manner that reflects the values of the Nigerian Army.