Nigerian Army deploys 600 personnel to India for specialised combat training

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu, has initiated the process of sending 600 Nigerian army soldiers to India where they will be undergoing training in jungle and mountain warfare in order to enhance their skills in tackling terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges in difficult terrains.

The first set of 300 soldiers have already left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Thursday aboard two aircraft from the Indian Air Force – a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

The Nigerian Army announced the deployment in a statement issued on Friday by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the training programme is designed to improve the troops’ combat proficiency in challenging environments and enhance the Army’s ability to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity

The Army added that arrangements were ongoing to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to participate in the specialised programme.

Major-General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, represented Shaibu at the departure ceremony.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present to witness the departure of the first batch.

The Army said the deployment reflected the Chief of Army Staff’s commitment to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats across the country.

It explained that the training would equip participating personnel with advanced skills for military operations in dense forests, mountainous regions and other difficult terrains that armed groups often exploit for concealment and movement.

The programme is also expected to improve troops’ operational manoeuvrability and strengthen their ability to deny terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups safe havens in areas that are difficult for security forces to access.

Nigeria continues to face security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism and banditry, with armed groups operating in remote forests and other difficult-to-access locations in parts of the country.

The Army said the initiative aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which emphasises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and improved combat readiness.

It added that the programme formed part of broader efforts to build a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.

Beyond strengthening the participating soldiers’ operational capabilities, the training is also expected to deepen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to developing personnel with the skills, training and adaptability required to confront security threats in complex operational environments.