The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, inspected the elite Special Forces training programme, observing a select group of Nigerian Army personnel undergoing rigorous training designed to develop operators capable of executing complex missions with precision, discipline, and immediate readiness.
The visit underscored the Army leadership’s commitment to strengthening special operations capabilities in response to evolving national security challenges.
During the visit to 18 Brigade in Kaduna, the COAS assessed the ongoing training of personnel with the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (DHQ SOF) Training Group in Bida. He received detailed briefings on the structure, scope, and objectives of the demanding programme aimed at producing highly skilled and mission-ready operators.
Addressing the trainees, Lieutenant General Waidi emphasised that graduation from elite training carries an obligation of instant readiness, warning that special operations forces must always be prepared to act without delay when national security demands it.
He commended the DHQ SOF Training Group for its commitment, dedication, and professionalism in delivering the rigorous training, noting: “The quality of instruction and discipline on display reflects the high standards expected of elite forces tasked with complex and sensitive operations across the country.”
The Army Chief further urged the trainees to remain focused and give their best throughout the course, stressing that they must be fully prepared to undertake special tasks immediately upon graduation. He added: “Elite forces play a critical role in national security and must consistently demonstrate excellence, resilience, and professionalism.”
Earlier, Brigadier General Sani Usman Ibrahim, Commander of the DHQ SOF Brigade, briefed the COAS on the scope, structure, and progress of the ongoing elite forces training programme.
The engagement concluded with the symbolic presentation of a souvenir to the Chief of Army Staff, reinforcing the Army leadership’s emphasis on strengthening special operations capability as a core pillar of modern military response.
