Nigerian Army Graduates Elite Special Forces Battalion to Boost Fight Against Terrorism
The Nigerian Army has strengthened its counter-terrorism capabilities with the graduation of a fully trained Special Forces battalion at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa State.
The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, October 9, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The newly graduated battalion is expected to improve the Army’s ability to conduct specialised military operations, navigate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions requires additional specialised capabilities to maintain operational readiness and strengthen security nationwide.
He noted that the new battalion would enhance the capacity of field formations to respond to emerging threats, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other tactics employed by terrorists and criminal groups.
The soldiers underwent six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat skills, resilience and adaptability to challenging operational environments.
The training school features the Army’s most challenging obstacle course to date, consisting of 20 obstacles, alongside its first-ever maze. The facilities are designed to help soldiers overcome the fear of darkness and confined spaces while improving their resilience and spatial awareness.
The COAS charged the newly trained Special Forces personnel to uphold discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights during operations.
He stressed that military successes must not come at the expense of public confidence, adding that intelligence-driven operations, technological awareness and cooperation with other military services and security agencies remain critical to achieving lasting security.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the course was developed to meet current operational requirements and incorporate lessons from ongoing military operations.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, also highlighted the demanding physical and tactical exercises undertaken by the graduands.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to producing a highly skilled, adaptable and mission-ready Special Forces battalion.
