Army sends 600 soldiers to India for training

The Nigerian Army has begun sending 600 soldiers to India for specialized jungle and mountain warfare training. The first group of 300 personnel left Abuja on Thursday, traveling on two Indian Air Force aircraft—the C-17 and an Airbus A321. Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, explained that the aim of the training is to improve troops' combat abilities in challenging terrains and increase the Army's capability to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, initiated the deployment of the 600 soldiers to India for the specialized training, focusing on enhancing troops' combat proficiency in difficult terrains and strengthening the Army's capacity to safeguard Nigeria's territorial integrity. A batch of 300 soldiers departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 22 October 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft—a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

Tinubu supports Army's shift to offensive operations, and COAS Kagame is strengthening Nigeria–Rwanda defense ties. The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, Major General UG Yusuf, witnessed the departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria. The training underscores the COAS's dedication to creating a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force capable of dealing with terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements in forests, mountainous regions, and other challenging environments.

This aligns with the COAS's Command Philosophy, which emphasizes operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development, and enhanced combat readiness. The Nigerian Army also seeks to reinforce its defense cooperation with India and the COAS's resolve to maintain a resilient, mission-ready Army that can protect the nation's sovereignty and safeguard lives and property.

Arrangements are being made to airlift the remaining 300 soldiers to India for the training.