The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 military personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s military capabilities and improve troops’ readiness to tackle security threats.
According to a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the training is intended to improve soldiers’ combat proficiency in difficult terrain and strengthen the Army’s capacity to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The first batch of 300 soldiers departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft: a C-17 military transport aircraft and an Airbus A321.
Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the departure. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present.
The Army confirmed that arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India, completing the planned deployment of 600 soldiers.
The specialised programme will focus on jungle and mountain warfare, equipping participating personnel with techniques for operating in challenging environments where dense vegetation, steep landscapes and difficult terrain can complicate military operations.
According to the Nigerian Army, the training is designed to improve troops’ mobility, adaptability and operational effectiveness when confronting terrorists, insurgents and other armed criminal groups that may use forests and remote areas as hideouts.
The initiative forms part of Lieutenant General Shaibu’s broader command priorities, which include realistic military training, personnel development, operational effectiveness and improved combat readiness.
The deployment also highlights defence cooperation between Nigeria and India, particularly in military training and professional development.
By exposing personnel to specialised instruction, the Nigerian Army expects to build a more adaptable force capable of responding to different operational challenges. The training is also intended to support the military’s wider responsibility to protect lives, property and the nation’s sovereignty.
However, the practical impact of the programme will depend on how the skills acquired are applied in field operations and incorporated into Nigeria’s existing security strategies.
Nigeria continues to face security challenges involving terrorism, insurgency and armed criminal activity in different parts of the country. Training soldiers to operate effectively in difficult terrain could strengthen their ability to pursue armed groups that take advantage of forests and remote locations.
The deployment is therefore part of the Army’s effort to improve professional capacity and combat preparedness through international military partnerships.
With the first 300 personnel already having departed and arrangements underway for the second batch, the programme is expected to bring all 600 Nigerian soldiers to India for the specialised training.
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