The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 troops to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at strengthening combat readiness and improving operations in difficult terrains.
The first batch of 300 personnel departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, witnessed the departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
According to a statement issued this Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the training is designed to equip the troops with specialised skills to tackle terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments.
The statement said the initiative reflected Shaibu’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
It added that the training aligned with the Army Chief’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and enhanced combat readiness.
The programme is expected to improve the troops’ operational manoeuvrability and equip them with advanced techniques for conducting military operations in difficult terrains.
It is also expected to strengthen their capacity to deny criminal groups safe havens in forests, mountains and other inaccessible locations.
The Army said the initiative would further reinforce defence cooperation between Nigeria and India while supporting efforts to build a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
Arrangements are ongoing to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the deployment for the specialised training.
