By Elizabeth Tanko
Doma, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has significantly boosted its counter-terrorism and internal security operations with the graduation of a full-fledged Special Forces Battalion.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who presided over the graduation ceremony at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Doma, Nasarawa State, on Friday, 9th October 2026, said the new battalion will enhance the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations, penetrate difficult terrains and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
General Shaibu noted that the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 Divisions requires commensurate specialised capabilities to sustain operational readiness and extend security coverage nationwide.
He said the new battalion will strengthen field formations to effectively confront evolving threats, including the deployment of drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other emerging tactics by adversaries.
The graduands completed six months of intensive, mission-oriented training designed to enhance combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability in complex operational environments.
The training facilities at the School include the Nigerian Army’s most difficult and complex obstacle course to date, comprising 20 obstacles, and its first-ever tactical maze designed to help soldiers overcome fear of darkness and confined spaces while strengthening resilience and spatial orientation.
Charging the newly graduated Special Forces operatives, the COAS tasked them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights.
He stressed that tactical success must not undermine public confidence, and emphasised intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and joint cooperation with sister Services and other security agencies as essential to achieving sustainable security outcomes.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the course curriculum was tailored to contemporary operational demands and lessons drawn from ongoing operations across various theatres.
On his part, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, highlighted the rigorous physical, psychological and tactical drills undertaken by the graduands to produce a highly adaptable force.
The Chief of Army Staff commended the instructors and training partners for their professionalism and dedication in developing a highly trained, adaptable and mission-ready Special Forces battalion capable of responding to Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.
Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, issued a statement regarding this on Friday in Abuja.
