In a renewed effort to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, the Federal Government has launched a Special Operations Force (SOF) comprising 2,400 elite soldiers. The first batch of 800 personnel has commenced training at Camp Kabala, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who unveiled the initiative yesterday, said the program aims to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by equipping the military with specialized training in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue operations. He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to providing modern weapons, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
Badaru described the training as “tough and hard,” designed to create a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in complex environments. He added that the program would foster inter-agency collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies to address evolving security threats.
Despite ongoing military efforts, terrorism remains a challenge in the Northeast, while banditry continues to plague the Northwest and parts of the Northcentral region. Kidnapping for ransom has expanded beyond the North to the Southwest, while in the Southeast, security is strained due to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Meanwhile, oil theft and pipeline sabotage remain rampant in the South-South.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone in enhancing national security. He stressed the importance of well-trained and well-equipped forces to tackle modern asymmetric threats, noting that the SOF would serve as the cutting edge of Nigeria’s military response.
“The evolving dynamics of modern warfare require that our forces be trained, equipped, and capable of responding swiftly and effectively,” Gen. Musa said. “This Special Operations Force will play a pivotal role in countering terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, lauded the initiative as a bold step in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. He emphasized the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in military training to tackle emerging threats effectively.
“As the host state for this landmark training, we take great pride in supporting the military in its noble duty,” Sani said. “We recognize the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and remain committed to fostering a conducive environment for this training to succeed.”
The SOF training program will be expanded to accommodate additional personnel, ensuring that Nigeria develops a world-class special operations capability to combat security threats effectively.
