FG committed to arming military with modern war equipment, priorities personnel welfare, operational trainings.
By Idris Isah.
Minister of Defense, H.E Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is committed to providing state – of – the – art military equipments, robust welfare and specialized training for operational effectiveness for Nigerian military.
The Minister Badaru made the remark during the opening ceremony of the first batch of Special Operations Force Training and Equipment for Armed Forces at Camp Kabala in Jaji, Kaduna State.
In a statement made available to Nigerian Daily Info.in Abuja, Abubakar said, “This milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities, enhancing our response to evolving security threats, and ensuring that our forces remain
among the best – trained and most resilient in the world”.
He enumerated the necessities for an elite force that is not only well- equipped but proficient in advance tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence – driven operations, and rapid response missions, adding, “our mission is to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission – ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diversed and complex environments.”
The Minister reiterated that this special operations Force Training is strategically focused at improving operational effectiveness in deflating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime and other asymmetric threats to our nation, while securing national severeignty, protecting citizens, maintaining peace and stability within and beyond our borders.
While the training is meticulously designed to develop personnel in tactical combat, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and hostage rescue mission, Abubakar noted, “Trainees will be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environment, ensuring adaptability to dynamic threats.
Given the interagency nature of modern security challenges, this training will promote seamless collaboration among personnel from Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force Force and other security agencies”.
Abubakar emphasized that special operations is required for not only technical skills but mental resilience, hence, training will invigorate fitness, rekindle physical and psychological endurance of the troops, adding, “emphasis will be placed on leadership under pressure, fostering unity, discipline, and camaraderie among partipants”.
“Upon completion of this intensive military training program, we anticipate a force capable of conducting high – impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.
This will enhance our ability to neutralize threats and proactively respond to security challenges. The newly trained Special Operation Force will be deployed to critical areas nationwide, reinforcing our national security architecture”.
While promising to uphold the highest military standard, Abubakar noted that the inauguration marks the first batch of 800 trainees out of 2,400 planned to drive a long-term strategy, to develop world- class special operations capabilities within the Armed Forces comprising, the Army, Navy and Air force in line with Reknew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister assured that the nation’s military collaboration with allied nations and international defense institutions will adopt best practices inherent in joint operations, with access to advanced specialized courses in counter- insurgency,Cyber warfare, strategic reconnaissance saying, “this program will be one of the most challenging experiences of your career, but will also be one of the most rewarding. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to duty will define the future of Nigeria’s security landscape.
I urge you to give your best, push beyond your limits, and embrace the honour of being part of this elite force”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Amb. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda explained the necessity and the crucial roles of such Special Operations Forces in modern military strategy, particularly in counter-terrorism, asymmetric warfare and high risks operations.
“Special Operations Forces are the backbone of modern military strategy, playing a critical role in counter-terrorism, asymmetric warfare, and high- risks operations that demand precision, resilience and exceptional tactical expertise”.
While commending the esteem instrutors and training facilitators, he reiterated that the training is to equip troops in skills, discipline, excellence and combat readiness to deflate unsolicited security challenges within and beyond the nation’s border.
