Nigerian Army Graduates Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations
Nigerian Army Graduates Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations
Nigerian Army Graduates Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has strengthened Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and internal security capabilities with the graduation of a Special Forces battalion at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma, Nasarawa State.
The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, October 9, 2026, marking a significant step in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to enhance specialised operations, penetrate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.
Shaibu said the Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions required corresponding specialised capabilities to sustain operational readiness and extend security coverage across the country.
He explained that the new battalion would strengthen field formations’ capacity to respond to evolving security threats, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices and other emerging tactics employed by adversaries.
The graduands completed six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability in demanding operational environments.
The school’s training facilities include what the Army described as its most difficult and complex obstacle course to date, featuring 20 obstacles, as well as its first-ever maze. The facilities are designed to prepare soldiers to overcome fear of darkness and confined spaces while improving resilience and spatial orientation.
The COAS charged the newly graduated personnel to uphold discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights, stressing that tactical success must not come at the expense of public confidence.
He also emphasised the importance of intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and cooperation with sister Services and other security agencies in achieving sustainable security outcomes.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the training programme was tailored to contemporary operational demands and lessons drawn from ongoing military operations.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the graduands.
Shaibu commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to developing a highly trained, adaptable and mission-ready force.
APPOLONIA ANELE Colonel Acting Director, Army Public Relations October 9, 2026.
Nigerian Army Graduates Special Forces Battalion to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations
