The Nigerian Army has graduated a new Special Forces battalion to strengthen counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, announced this on Friday, during the graduation ceremony at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma, Nasarawa State.
TheFact Daily reports that the development is expected to boost the Army’s capacity to tackle terrorism, insurgency and other security threats through specialised operations, particularly in difficult terrain.
For the country, the additional capability could strengthen efforts to dismantle armed groups, protect vulnerable communities and improve security, especially as threats evolve and criminal groups adopt new tactics.
Shaibu said the Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions required additional specialised capabilities to sustain operational readiness and respond to emerging threats, including the use of drones and improvised explosive devices by terrorists and other criminal groups.
He said the new battalion would improve the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations in difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks. The graduands underwent six months of intensive training to improve their combat skills, resilience and adaptability.
The COAS urged the personnel to uphold discipline, precision and respect for human rights, stressing that operational success must not come at the expense of public confidence.
He also emphasised intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and collaboration with other security agencies.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj Gen Valentine Okoro, said the course reflected contemporary operational demands and lessons from ongoing operations, while the school’s Commandant, Brig Gen Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the graduands.
