THE Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at enhancing troops’ combat proficiency in difficult terrains and strengthening the military’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
News Point Nigeria reports that the first batch of 300 personnel departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
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According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the deployment is part of the Chief of Army Staff’s efforts to improve the operational capabilities of troops and prepare them to confront security threats in challenging environments.
The statement read, “The COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commenced the deployment of 600 Nigerian Army personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at enhancing troops’ combat proficiency in difficult terrains and strengthening the Army’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The first batch of 300 personnel departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 22 October 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
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“The Coordinator, Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, who represented the COAS, witnessed the departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.”
The Army said the training underscores Lieutenant General Shaibu’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments.
It added that the initiative aligns with the Army Chief’s Command Philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and enhanced combat readiness.
The statement further noted that the programme would reinforce Nigeria–India defence cooperation while reflecting the COAS’s determination to sustain a resilient, mission-ready Army capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
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It also disclosed that arrangements were underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the specialised training.
“Arrangements are underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the training,” the statement said.
