The Federal Government has launched an ambitious initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s security by training 2,400 soldiers for a Special Operations Force (SOF) aimed at combating terrorism, insurgency, and other asymmetric threats.
The first batch of 800 personnel, selected from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, began their training on Monday at Camp Kabala within the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna.
At the inauguration of the Special Operations Forces training, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, emphasized the need for a highly skilled and mission-ready force.
“This Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats,” Abubakar stated.
He added that the force would serve as a critical pillar in securing national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
The training is designed to develop elite personnel proficient in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue missions.
“This programme will prepare trainees for high-risk missions in both urban and hostile environments, ensuring they can adapt to dynamic threats,” the Minister explained.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, highlighted the importance of the training, stating that it would enable the military to synchronize kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to generate effective and swift responses across all domains.
Musa expressed confidence that the new force would play a pivotal role in defeating terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
“This Special Operations Force represents the cutting edge of our military’s ability to confront threats, both within and beyond our borders,” General Musa added.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in a message delivered by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, also expressed strong support for the initiative.
She stated that the training would equip Nigeria’s Armed Forces with the best tactics and resilience needed to counter emerging threats such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime.
The Special Operations Force training marks a critical step toward building a world-class military capable of responding effectively to modern security challenges.