The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised training in jungle and mountain warfare as part of efforts to strengthen combat readiness and improve troops’ capacity to operate in difficult terrains.
Nigerian Army deploys personnel to India for training
According to a statement, on Friday, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
The soldiers departed from Nigeria aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The departure was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, who represented the Chief of Army Staff.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present at the departure ceremony.
The training was part of an initiative by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to develop a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The specialised training was expected to equip the participating personnel with advanced skills for conducting military operations in forests, mountainous regions and other challenging environments where conventional operational approaches may be less effective.
The training was also designed to improve troops’ manoeuvrability, operational proficiency and ability to confront terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements who exploit difficult terrain as hiding places and operational bases.
The Army Authority stated that the initiative reflected Gen. Shaibu’s commitment to strengthening the operational effectiveness of the service through realistic training, personnel development and improved combat preparedness.
The training also aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which prioritised the development of a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
With security operations continuing to require troops to navigate diverse geographical conditions, the training programme was expected to enhance their ability to respond to threats in areas where forests, hills and other natural obstacles can complicate military operations.
Beyond its operational objectives, the deployment would further strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India, particularly in military training and capacity development.
The Nigerian Army said arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment of 600 soldiers.
It noted that the second batch will join the initial contingent for the specialised programme, although the Army’s statement did not specify the date of their departure or the duration of the training.
The initiative formed part of the Army’s broader efforts to sustain a professional and combat-effective force capable of protecting lives and property, countering security threats and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
As the first contingent begins its training, the expected gains will depend on how effectively the skills acquired were adapted to Nigeria’s operational needs and incorporated into ongoing military activities.
The training was, nevertheless, a demonstration of the determination of the Chief of Army Staff to maintain a resilient force prepared to meet the demands of the country’s security environment.
