PRESIDENT TINUBU IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MODERN MILITARY EQUIPMENTS, PRIORITIZING WELFARE OF PERSONNEL AND TRAININGS FOR OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS – BADARU
Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
MONDAY, 24TH MARCH 2025
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammad Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwavering in his commitment to equipping the Nigerian military with modern military equipment, ensuring the welfare of personnel, and prioritizing training for operational effectiveness. The Minister made this declaration during the Opening Ceremony of the First Batch of Special Operations Force Training and Equipping for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, held at Camp Kabala in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Minister Badaru emphasized, “This milestone represents a new chapter in our efforts to bolster Nigeria’s defence capabilities, strengthen our response to evolving security challenges, and ensure that our forces are among the most proficient, resilient, and effective in the world.”
He elaborated on the need to create an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also highly skilled in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid-response missions. “Our vision is to establish a force that is agile, mission-ready, and capable of executing specialized operations in varied and complex environments,” he stated.
The Special Operations Force Training initiative is part of a broader strategic effort to enhance the operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s military in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other non-traditional security threats. The Special Operations Force will play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability both within Nigeria and across its borders.
The training program is designed to equip personnel with skills in special combat tactics, counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue operations. “Trainees will be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environments, ensuring they are capable of adapting to dynamic threats. Given the multi-agency nature of modern security challenges, this training will foster seamless collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies,” Minister Badaru noted.
Acknowledging the high demands of Special Operations, he highlighted that the training would rigorously test and enhance the physical and psychological endurance of the troops. “Leadership under pressure, discipline, camaraderie, and duty will be key elements throughout the program,” he added.
Minister Badaru emphasized that upon completion, the trained Special Operations Force will be capable of executing high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency. “This will significantly enhance our ability to neutralize security threats and proactively respond to national security challenges. The newly trained force will be deployed across strategic areas nationwide to strengthen our national security framework,” he explained.
In his closing remarks, the Minister assured that this training is just the beginning of a long-term process to refine the skills of the force, ensuring continuous adaptation to emerging security threats while upholding the highest military standards.
The inauguration marked the commencement of the first batch of 800 trainees, part of a planned total of 2,400, as part of a long-term strategy to establish world-class special operations capabilities within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This initiative will be expanded to include personnel from all branches of the military.
As part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government remains committed to equipping the Special Operations Forces with cutting-edge weapons, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Ministry will continue to collaborate with allied nations and international defense institutions to adopt best practices and improve the interoperability of the Nigerian military in joint operations. Beyond this initial training, troops will have access to specialized courses in counter-insurgency, cyber warfare, and strategic reconnaissance.
Addressing the trainees, Minister Badaru said, “This program will be one of the most challenging experiences of your career, but it will also be among the most rewarding. Your commitment, resilience, and dedication will shape the future of Nigeria’s security. I urge you to give your best, push your limits, and embrace the honor of being part of this elite force.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the critical role Special Operations Forces play in modern military strategies, particularly in counterterrorism and asymmetric warfare. “Special Operations Forces are the backbone of contemporary military strategies, integral to high-risk operations requiring precision and exceptional tactical expertise,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the instructors and training facilitators, praising their commitment to shaping the next generation of elite warriors. “Your leadership and expertise will forge our trainees into a formidable force capable of executing critical missions,” Ambassador Aduda said.
Mati Ali
PA Media & Publicity to the Hon. Minister
