By Zainab Bakare
The Nigerian Army has deployed the first batch of 300 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training as part of efforts to strengthen troops’ combat readiness.
The deployment is part of a programme involving 600 personnel aimed at improving the Army’s ability to operate in difficult terrains and tackle terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the first batch departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft — a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, Major General UG Yusuf, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, witnessed the departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The Army said the training aligns with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and combat readiness.
It added that the programme would equip the personnel with specialised warfare skills, improve their mobility in challenging environments and help prevent criminal groups from using forests and mountainous areas as safe havens.
The deployment is also expected to strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.
Arrangements are underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India for the training.
