The Nigerian Army has graduated a new Special Forces battalion to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and tackle emerging security threats across the country.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa State, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the new battalion would enhance the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations, navigate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the development was necessary to strengthen operational readiness following the expansion of the Army’s divisions from eight to 12.
Shaibu noted that the expansion required additional specialised capabilities to sustain operational effectiveness and extend security coverage across the country.
He said the new battalion would strengthen field formations’ capacity to respond to evolving threats, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices and other emerging tactics employed by adversaries.
The Special Forces personnel underwent six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability to challenging operational environments.
The training facilities at the school include the Army’s most difficult and complex obstacle course, featuring 20 obstacles, as well as its first maze designed to help soldiers overcome the fear of darkness and confined spaces while improving their resilience and spatial orientation.
Charging the graduands to remain professional in the discharge of their duties, the Army chief emphasised the need for discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights.
He stressed that tactical success must not come at the expense of public confidence, adding that intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and cooperation with other military services and security agencies were essential to achieving sustainable security.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the training programme was tailored to meet contemporary operational demands and incorporate lessons from ongoing military operations.
Similarly, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the graduands to prepare them for specialised military assignments.
Shaibu commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to developing a highly trained, adaptable and mission-ready force.
The graduation comes amid efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its operational capabilities and respond to evolving security challenges across the country.