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The Nigerian Army has initiated plans to strengthen its operational capabilities by sending 600 personnel to India for specialised training in jungle and mountain warfare.
The programme is designed to prepare soldiers for military operations in difficult environments, particularly forests, mountainous regions and other areas where armed groups can exploit challenging terrain to evade security forces.
The first contingent of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The personnel travelled aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 military transport plane and an Airbus A321.
The departure was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team under the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the exercise was part of efforts to develop a more adaptable and combat-ready military capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s security challenges.
She explained that the training aligns with the Army Chief’s priorities of improving operational effectiveness, strengthening personnel development and ensuring that soldiers receive realistic military preparation.
According to the Army, the initiative is also expected to improve troops’ ability to confront terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups operating in remote and difficult-to-access locations.
The programme further highlights the defence partnership between Nigeria and India, particularly in military training and the exchange of professional expertise. The Army said preparations were ongoing to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment.
