The Nigerian Army has strengthened its counter-terrorism and internal security capabilities following the graduation of a fully trained Special Forces battalion at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma,
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, October 9, 2026, was presided over by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who said the new battalion would enhance the Army’s capacity to conduct specialised operations, navigate difficult terrain and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.
Shaibu explained that the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions requires additional specialised capabilities to maintain operational readiness and extend security coverage across the country.
He added that the new battalion would strengthen field formations in responding to evolving security threats, including the use of drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other emerging tactics employed by adversaries.
The graduands completed six months of intensive training designed to improve their combat proficiency, resilience and adaptability in demanding operational environments.
According to the Army, the training facilities at Doma include a 20-obstacle course described as the most difficult and complex in the Nigerian Army, as well as the institution’s first-ever maze designed to help soldiers overcome fear of darkness and confined spaces while improving resilience and spatial orientation.
The Army Chief charged the newly trained personnel to uphold discipline, precision, sound judgment and respect for human rights, stressing that operational success must not come at the expense of public confidence.
He also underscored the importance of intelligence-led operations, technological awareness and collaboration with other military services and security agencies in achieving sustainable security outcomes.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, said the training programme was designed to address contemporary operational demands and incorporate lessons from ongoing military operations.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, also highlighted the rigorous physical and tactical training undertaken by the personnel.
Shaibu commended the instructors and training partners for their contributions to developing a highly trained, adaptable and mission-ready force.
The development comes as the Nigerian Army continues efforts to strengthen its operational capacity against terrorism and other security threats across the country.
