President Tinubu committed to modernizing military, enhancing personnel welfare – Defence Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the nation’s military with modern technology, prioritizing the welfare of personnel, and enhancing training programs to improve operational effectiveness.
Speaking at 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, the minister described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s defence strategy.
He emphasized that the training underscores the government’s resolve to strengthen the military’s capacity to tackle evolving security threats, ensuring that Nigerian forces rank among the best-trained in the world.
He highlighted the need for an elite force that is well-equipped and proficient in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions.
The vision, he explained, is to develop a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in complex environments.
The Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats.
The trained forces will play a key role in protecting national sovereignty, safeguarding citizens, and maintaining stability within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Badaru outlined that the training program is designed to develop personnel in areas such as special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue missions. He noted that trainees would be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environments, with an emphasis on adaptability to dynamic security challenges.
Given the inter-agency nature of modern security threats, the program will foster seamless collaboration between personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies.
Recognizing the mental and physical demands of special operations, the minister stressed that the training would rigorously test the endurance of the troops. Leadership under pressure, discipline, and camaraderie would be instilled to ensure the force remains resilient and effective.
Upon completion of the program, the minister said, Nigeria will have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.
The newly trained personnel will be deployed to critical areas nationwide, reinforcing national security efforts. He assured that this training is only the beginning, with ongoing skill development and adaptation to emerging threats to be a continuous process.
The first batch of 800 trainees is part of a larger initiative that will train a total of 2,400 personnel.
This effort aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes equipping the Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools to enhance operational efficiency. The defence ministry also plans to collaborate with allied nations and international institutions to integrate best practices and improve joint operations.
Beyond this initial training, troops will have access to specialized courses in counter-insurgency, cyber warfare, and strategic reconnaissance.
Addressing the trainees, Badaru encouraged them to embrace the rigorous program, emphasizing that their dedication and resilience would shape Nigeria’s security landscape.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, also underscored the critical role of Special Operations Forces in counterterrorism, asymmetric warfare, and high-risk missions. He stressed that the training would equip troops with the advanced skills needed to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively.
He commended the instructors and facilitators for their role in preparing the next generation of elite warriors, acknowledging their efforts in shaping a formidable force capable of executing complex military operations.
