COAS Shaibu Strengthens Nigeria’s Security With New Special Forces Battalion
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reinforced Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats with the graduation of a new Special Forces battalion.
The battalion graduated on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, Nasarawa State, after completing six months of intensive military training.
The development is expected to boost the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, particularly in specialised combat missions, difficult terrain and operations targeting terrorist and criminal networks.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions had created the need for stronger specialised capabilities to support military formations and extend security coverage across the country.
According to him, the new battalion will help the Army respond more effectively to evolving security challenges, including the deployment of drones, improvised explosive devices and other emerging tactics by hostile groups.
The training programme focused on developing combat proficiency, mental toughness, resilience and the ability to adapt to complex battlefield conditions.
As part of the training infrastructure, the school has established a 20-obstacle course described as the Army’s most difficult and complex to date. It also features the institution’s first maze, designed to prepare soldiers to operate in darkness and confined spaces while improving their spatial orientation and psychological resilience.
Addressing the graduands, the COAS urged them to demonstrate discipline, precision and sound judgment while respecting human rights in the discharge of their duties.
He warned that operational achievements must be balanced with the need to maintain public trust, emphasising the importance of intelligence-led missions, technological competence and collaboration with sister Services and other security agencies.
Earlier, Major General Valentine Okoro, the Chief of Training (Army), explained that the training was designed around present-day military demands and lessons learned from ongoing operations.
Similarly, Brigadier General Umar Abubakar, Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, described the training as rigorous, highlighting the physical and tactical challenges the soldiers overcame.
The Chief of Army Staff subsequently praised the instructors and training partners for their role in preparing the personnel for specialised assignments, expressing confidence in their readiness to contribute to the country’s security operations.
