The Nigerian Army has strengthened its fight against terrorism with the graduation of 1,182 Special Forces troops.
The soldiers completed six months of advanced infantry training to prepare for security operations across Nigeria and formed the 10th batch of the Advanced Infantry Training Programme under Exercise Restore Hope X at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the programme remains a key part of Army training. He said it builds professional, disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.
Shaibu said the programme sharpened the soldiers’ combat skills and prepared them for modern security challenges. He urged them to protect civilians, respect human rights and obey the rule of law during operations. He identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist activities and organised crime as major threats facing the country.
The Army chief said the graduation came as the Army expanded its force structure following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for additional divisions, formations and units. He added that many of the graduates would serve in the new formations. Shaibu urged the soldiers to remain professional and justify the investment made in their training.
The Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the graduation as another milestone. He said the programme trained the soldiers in tactical operations, weapon handling, marksmanship, field craft, combat medicine, leadership and counter-insurgency operations. He added that Nigerian instructors now run the programme after earlier support from foreign partners.
Okoro said the Army continues to improve the training to meet changing security needs. He noted that previous graduates have contributed to military operations across the country. He also revealed that the Chief of Army Staff approved Basic Infantry Course certificates and trade certifications for the graduates.
The exercise ended with practical demonstrations of the combat skills learned during the programme. The Nigerian Army Special Forces are expected to strengthen ongoing military operations and improve the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.
