RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving combat readiness and strengthening troops’ ability to operate in difficult environments.
The first batch of 300 soldiers departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17A military transport aircraft and an Airbus A321A.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the training programme is intended to equip participating personnel with specialised skills required for military operations in forests, mountainous regions and other challenging terrains.
The initiative forms part of the Army’s broader efforts to improve operational effectiveness against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats across Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was represented at the departure ceremony by Major General Umar Yusuf, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Military Training and Simulation at the Army Headquarters’ Department of Army Training.
Yusuf addressed the departing personnel and witnessed their departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The Army confirmed that the movement was completed without difficulties, adding that arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India.
The second batch will bring the total number of soldiers scheduled to participate in the programme to 600.
Military authorities explained that the specialised training would expose troops to techniques suited to environments where difficult terrain, limited accessibility and demanding conditions present additional operational challenges.
The programme is also expected to strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian and Indian armed forces through professional military training and the exchange of operational expertise.
Under Shaibu’s leadership, the Nigerian Army has emphasised improved personnel development, realistic combat training and greater adaptability in responding to evolving security challenges.
The deployment comes as the military continues operations against armed groups in different parts of the country, including forested areas where difficult terrain can complicate troop movement and surveillance.
The Army maintains that strengthening personnel capabilities remains essential to improving operational performance and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Although the first batch has departed, authorities have not publicly confirmed the departure date for the remaining personnel or the duration of the training programme.
