Bandits: Defence minister inaugurates training for 800 special forces troops

The defence minister mentioned that the initiative was part of new strategies to address the lingering insecurity in the country.

News Agency of Nigeria • March 25, 2025

Troops training [Credit: FRCN HQ]

Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru inaugurated the first training phase for 800 special forces personnel tasked with conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency on Monday.

Mr Badaru, while inaugurating the Special Operations Forces for the Armed Forces of Nigeria at camp Kabala in Jaji military cantonment, Kaduna, said they would be engaged in rapid response missions.

The defence minister also mentioned that the initiative was part of new strategies to address the lingering insecurity in the country.

He noted that the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges demanded an elite force that was well-equipped and well-trained in advanced tactics, including unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions.

He added that the vision was to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialised operations in diverse and complex environments.

The minister explained that training the special force would help enhance operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats bedevilling the nation.

He further said the elite force would serve as a critical pillar in securing Nigeria’s national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability within and beyond the nation’s borders.

The defence minister added that special operations required technical skills, mental toughness, and endurance.

He noted that in view of that, the training would test and refine the physical and psychological resilience of the troops, emphasise leadership under pressure, and foster a sense of duty, discipline, and camaraderie among the participants.

He added that it was expected that at the end of the rigorous training programme, the armed forces would have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.

He said such abilities will significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to neutralise threats and respond proactively to security challenges.

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