The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at strengthening troops’ combat capabilities in challenging terrains.
The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the training was designed to improve troops’ operational effectiveness and strengthen the Army’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, initiated the deployment as part of efforts to build a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of operating effectively in difficult environments.
“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 departure of the first batch was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team under the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, who represented the Chief of Army Staff.
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The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present at the airport to witness the departure.
The Army said the specialised training aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and improved combat readiness.
It added that the programme would equip personnel with skills needed to operate in forests, mountainous regions and other difficult terrains where conventional military operations can present significant challenges.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India, particularly in military training and capacity development.
Anele said the deployment reflected the Chief of Army Staff’s determination to maintain a resilient and mission-ready force capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
The Army confirmed that arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 km personnel to India to complete the deployment.
The training comes as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges involving terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities across different parts of the country. The Army hopes that specialised instruction in jungle and mountain warfare will enhance troops’ ability to conduct operations in difficult environments.