The Nigerian Army is sending 600 soldiers to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training to improve combat readiness

The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving troops’ combat readiness and ability to operate in difficult terrain.

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The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, announced the deployment in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the training is intended to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness in challenging environments and strengthen the Army’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The training underscores the COAS’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments,” the statement said.

The statement said the deployment was initiated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to improve personnel development, realistic training and operational effectiveness.

It added that the programme aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises combat readiness and the development of a resilient, mission-ready force.

The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, represented the Army chief at the departure ceremony.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria also witnessed the departure.

The Army said arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment.

The specialised training is expected to strengthen the soldiers’ ability to operate in forests, mountainous regions and other difficult environments where conventional military operations can pose additional challenges.

The initiative is also expected to reinforce defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.

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The Army said the deployment reflected its commitment to developing personnel capable of responding to security threats while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.