An elite group of combat-ready soldiers has been raised to battle terrorists, bandits and other violent non-state actors.

The first batch of 800 of the 2,400-strong team, code-named Special Operations Force (SOF), is undergoing training in Camp Kabala, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who unveiled this plan yesterday, said it would enhance security agencies’ operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and other asymmetric threats.

He said the “tough and hard” training is designed to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialised operations in diverse and complex environments.

Badaru added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ready to equip the force with modern weapons, surveillance systems and intelligence tools to enhance its operational effectiveness.

Pockets of terrorists are still operating in the Northeast.

A band of bandits is present in the Northwest and part of Northcentral.

Kidnapping for ransom is spreading from the North to the Southwest, while the Southeast is under the suffocation of extremist members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In the Southsouth, apart from kidnapping for cash, oil theft and pipeline sabotage are commonplace.

As a result of these challenges, the Armed Forces are busy supporting the police to keep the peace in all 36 states.

Badaru said: “This training has been meticulously designed to develop highly skilled personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and hostage rescue missions.

“The programme will prepare trainees for high-risk missions in both urban and hostile environments, ensuring they adapt to dynamic threats.

“Given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, the training will foster seamless collaboration among personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force, as well as other security agencies.

“It is pertinent to note that Special Operations require not only technical skills but also mental toughness and endurance.

“Accordingly, the training will test and refine the physical and psychological resilience of our troops.

“Additionally, it will emphasise leadership under pressure, fostering a sense of duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants.

“At the end of this rigorous training programme, we expect to have a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency.

“This would be a significant improvement in our ability to neutralise threats and respond proactively to security challenges.

‘’I assure you that this training is only the beginning. We expect trainees to continue honing their skills, adapting to new threats, and upholding the highest military standards.

“This inauguration is for the first batch of 800 out of 2,400 to be trained as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capability within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

‘’Looking ahead, the programme will be sustained and expanded to accommodate more personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces.”

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the training as a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring that the Armed Forces “are well equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to address contemporary challenges.”

Gen. Musa noted that the training could not have come at a better time, “as we are all aware of the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the unique challenges posed by asymmetric threats”.’

He added: “Our forces be well-trained, equipped, and capable of responding swiftly, effectively and decisively.

“It is in this context that the training of this Special Operations Force is highly desired, as they represent the cutting edge of our military’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to threats, both within and beyond our borders.”

The Defence Chief expressed optimism that the elite force would be pivotal in the military’s efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency and other activities inimical to security.

He said: “I am also impressed with the state-of-the-art training facility, which will no doubt enhance the efficient training of personnel of our armed forces.

‘’I thank the Ministry of Defence for taking this bold step in ensuring the event comes to fruition.

“This will significantly add to the actualisation of my leadership concept of ‘nurturing a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment.’

“To the 800 gallant men of the Armed Forces who have availed themselves of this training after a detailed selection process, I commend your dedication and patriotism. You are the vanguard of a new chapter in our defence narrative.

“I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead with an unwavering spirit.

“This training is going to be rigorous and tough, but with determination and the right mindset, you will scale through.

“You must be committed to the training as this programme is designed to ensure that you are prepared for any operational scenario you will encounter in the field.”

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who was special guest of honour, said the move was a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture, combating security threats and ensuring the safety of the nation.

Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said: “In today’s security environment, the threats we face keep evolving, from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes.

“We must equip our Armed Forces with the best training, cutting-edge tactics, and the resilience needed to overcome these challenges.’’

He described the training as “a bold step towards preparing a new generation of elite troops capable of defending our sovereignty with precision, intelligence, and courage.

“The training will also enable strategic thinking, decisive action and leading with honour.

“The situation we have found ourselves in makes it expedient that we adapt, innovate, and provide these trainees with skills to not only prepare them for the battlefield but to equip them with the tools to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

“As the host state for this landmark training, we take great pride in supporting the military in its noble duty.

“We recognise the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and remain committed to fostering a conducive environment for this training to succeed.”