Nigerian Army deploys 600 personnel to India for jungle, mountain warfare training
Nigerian Army Deploys Personnel for Specialized Training in India
ABUJA, Nigeria — Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has initiated the deployment of 600 Nigerian Army personnel to India for specialized training in jungle and mountain warfare. This initiative aims to enhance the troops’ combat efficiency in challenging terrains and bolster the Army’s ability to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
According to a statement from Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the first group of 300 soldiers departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026. They were transported aboard two aircraft from the Indian Air Force, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The departure event was attended by Major General U.G. Yusuf, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, who represented the COAS, along with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The training underscores the COAS’s commitment to cultivating a professional and adaptable military force capable of addressing the threats posed by terrorists and insurgents operating in diverse and difficult environments.
This initiative aligns with General Shaibu’s command philosophy, which emphasizes operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development, and improved combat readiness. The specialized curriculum is expected to provide troops with advanced skills in jungle and mountain warfare, enhance their maneuverability, and reinforce their capability to deny criminal elements safe havens in challenging terrains.
Additionally, this program will strengthen defense cooperation between Nigeria and India while furthering the COAS’s commitment to maintaining a resilient and mission-ready military prepared to uphold the nation’s sovereignty and protect its citizens.
