Defence Minister Badaru Inaugurates Training of 800 Special Forces to tackle insecurity 

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, has inaugurated the first phase of a special forces training program for 800 special forces tasked with executing high-impact operations with speed and precision.

The event, which took place at Camp Kabala in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, marks a strategic move by the government to strengthen national security and counter persistent threats across the country.

Badaru emphasized that the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges requires a well-trained, highly skilled force capable of conducting intelligence-driven missions, counterterrorism operations, and unconventional warfare. He stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to equip the armed forces with advanced combat tactics and enhance their ability to respond to asymmetric threats, including terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.

The training is designed to develop personnel proficient in special combat techniques, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue operations. It will also test their physical and psychological resilience while fostering leadership, discipline, and camaraderie under pressure. The program aims to produce a mission-ready force that can operate effectively in diverse and complex environments, significantly improving Nigeria’s ability to neutralize security threats.

According to Badaru, the newly trained special forces will be deployed to critical areas across the country to reinforce national security. This first batch of 800 personnel is part of a long-term plan to train 2,400 elite troops, ensuring Nigeria has a world-class special operations unit within its armed forces. The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with allied nations and international defence institutions to adopt best practices and improve joint operational capabilities.

Badaru expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing national security through investments in state-of-the-art military equipment and the welfare of security personnel. He urged the trainees to embrace the rigorous training with dedication and resilience, emphasizing that their role as part of this elite force comes with great responsibility and honor.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the training as a milestone in the history of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He underscored the need for modern military forces to be highly trained, well-equipped, and capable of responding swiftly and decisively to emerging threats. Musa also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support in actualizing his vision of a professional, people-centric armed forces capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties through joint and collaborative efforts.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, commended the initiative as a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. He noted that the country faces evolving threats, from terrorism and insurgency to cybercrime and transnational criminal activities. The training, he said, is essential for equipping personnel with cutting-edge tactics and decision-making skills necessary for high-pressure situations.

Sani assured continued support for the military and called on the trainees to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their duty. He emphasized that their role extends beyond being soldiers; they are the guardians of national security and defenders of peace.

The special operations force training is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering Nigeria’s security capabilities, ensuring the armed forces are better prepared to tackle evolving threats and maintain stability across the nation.