The Nigerian Army has begun deploying 600 soldiers to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training as part of efforts to improve the military’s operational capabilities against terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups operating in difficult terrains.
The exercise will expose the troops to specialised combat techniques required to operate in forests, mountainous regions and other challenging environments where conventional military operations can be difficult.
It is also expected to strengthen the army’s ability to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and respond to evolving security threats across the country.
The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The personnel travelled aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 military transport aircraft and an Airbus A321.
The deployment was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who explained that the training formed part of ongoing efforts to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
According to the statement, the programme is designed to improve the soldiers’ combat proficiency and prepare them for operations in environments that demand specialised skills, physical endurance, tactical coordination and effective decision-making under pressure.
Anele explained that the initiative reflects the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to strengthening the fighting capacity of the Nigerian Army and ensuring that its personnel are better equipped to confront security challenges in different parts of the country.
The departure of the first batch was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team under the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training. He represented the Chief of Army Staff at the airport ceremony.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present to witness the departure, highlighting the defence relationship between both countries and their continued engagement in military training and capacity development.
The army said the specialised programme would help improve the troops’ ability to operate in difficult geographical conditions, particularly areas where thick vegetation, steep landscapes and limited accessibility can complicate military operations.
The Chief of Army Staff’s approach also places emphasis on realistic military exercises, personnel development and improved combat readiness.
The army considers these priorities important in preparing its personnel for operations that require more than conventional battlefield training.
Jungle and mountain warfare demands specialised skills because soldiers often have to navigate unfamiliar routes, maintain communication under difficult conditions and coordinate movements in areas where visibility and access may be limited.
Such environments can also make it harder to transport equipment, evacuate casualties and provide supplies to personnel in the field.
The specialised training in India is expected to improve the participating soldiers’ ability to handle some of these operational challenges.
However, the army has not publicly disclosed the specific training locations, duration of the programme, detailed curriculum or the units that will participate.
Anele said the programme would reinforce the existing relationship between both countries while supporting the army’s broader objective of maintaining a force capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The statement added that the initiative reflected the army leadership’s determination to sustain a force that can respond effectively to security threats and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
The army also confirmed that preparations were ongoing for the second group of soldiers to travel to India, bringing the total number of personnel scheduled for the programme to 600.
“Arrangements are underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the training,” the statement said.
The second deployment will complete the planned movement of personnel for the specialised exercise.
The army has yet to provide a specific date for the departure of the remaining soldiers.
The effectiveness of the programme will ultimately depend on how the personnel apply the skills acquired during the training to their duties after returning to Nigeria.
The ability to integrate specialised techniques into operational planning, field exercises and joint operations will be important in determining its practical benefits.
