Emmanuel Daudu
In a major boost to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, the Federal Government has commissioned the first batch of 800 elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) trained to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
The graduation ceremony, held at Camp Kabala, Jaji, was presided over by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who described the development as a strategic step in strengthening national security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“These elite troops represent the nation’s renewed resolve to crush insecurity. They are not just armed with advanced training and tools, but with the character and discipline required to protect our people,” Dr. Matawalle stated.
The troops are set to be deployed to high-risk areas including Zamfara, Kaduna, and the North-East.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized that their mission is one of peace, urging them to operate with “precision, courage, justice, and humanity.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, lauded the resilience of the graduates and instructors, describing the SOF as a “vital pillar” of Nigeria’s defence system in addressing modern threats.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, also charged the new forces to maintain high ethical standards, reminding them that the military remains a disciplined and honourable institution.
Africa Security Investigation News 