Army deploys 600 troops to India for training

The Nigerian Army has begun sending 600 soldiers to India for specialized training in jungle and mountain warfare. The initial group of 300 troops left Abuja on October 22, 2026, on board an Indian Air Force C-17 and Airbus A321 aircraft. According to Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the aim is to boost the troops' combat skills in challenging terrains and improve the army's ability to protect Nigeria's borders.

Army Chief Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu witnessed the departure, along with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria. Colonel Anele emphasized that the exercise reflects the Chief of Army Staff's dedication to creating a versatile, combat-ready force capable of combating insurgents and other threats in forests and mountainous regions.

She also highlighted that the program is a boost to India-Nigeria defense ties and the army's resolve to maintain a strong, mission-ready force for defending national security. Further 300 soldiers are set to be airlifted to India for the same training.