The Nigerian Army has trained no fewer than 604 Special Forces personnel in the eighth edition of ‘Exercise Restore Hope’, aimed at enhancing national security.
The six-month specialist training programme covers both kinetic and non-kinetic operations and is designed to equip personnel for contemporary security challenges.
Conducted at the Nigerian Army Military Training Centre in Kachia, the programme prepares Special Forces troops for deployment in various conflict theatres across the country.
At the graduation ceremony held on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the personnel for acquiring critical skills in marksmanship, weapon handling, and precision targeting.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, Oluyede noted that the Special Forces had demonstrated strong operational capabilities, particularly in coordination and concentration of firepower.
He stated that the soldiers were carefully selected from various units and formations of the Nigerian Army and would be deployed to boost operational effectiveness across key theatres of operation.
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Oluyede further explained that the training is a recurring programme in the Army’s calendar, conducted biannually, and intended to develop specialised competencies for addressing security threats.
“The Special Forces had undergone enhanced training, building on their basic soldier training, to prepare them for mission-oriented tasks,” he said.
The Army Chief emphasised that the training would significantly strengthen the combat capacity of troops currently on the frontlines, with their deployment expected to yield measurable improvements in operational results.
“The training is crucial in enhancing the Army’s operational efficiency and national security efforts,” Oluyede said.
