Security: Nigeria Deploys 600 Army Personnel to India for Specialized Jungle and Mountain Warfare Training

​In a major move to boost tactical efficiency across complex terrains, the Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for intensive training in specialized jungle and mountain warfare.
​The operational initiative kicked off as the first batch of 300 soldiers departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft—a C-17 Globemaster and an Airbus A321.
​Neutralizing Forest and Mountain Safe Havens
​According to a statement by Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, the overseas training program is designed to sharpen the military’s capacity to flush out insurgents, bandits, and terrorist networks hiding in rugged, hard-to-reach environments.
​”The specialized program is expected to equip the personnel with advanced jungle and mountain warfare skills, improve operational manoeuvrability, and strengthen their capacity to deny criminal elements safe havens in difficult terrains,” Col. Anele noted.
​Major General U.G. Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, represented the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the departure ceremony alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
​Strengthening Bilateral Defence and Force Readiness
​The deployment reflects the core vision of Lt.-Gen. Shaibu, whose command philosophy prioritizes realistic training, personnel development, and high-level combat readiness for complex security challenges.
​The training exercise also marks a significant milestone in expanding defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.
​The Army confirmed that logistics and arrangements are already underway to airlift the remaining 300 troops to complete the 600-man training contingent.