Nigerian Army Deploys First 300 of 600 Personnel to India for Jungle, Mountain Warfare Training

The Nigerian Army has begun deploying 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving troops’ combat capabilities in challenging terrain.

The first batch of 300 personnel departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft: a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the training is designed to improve soldiers’ ability to operate in difficult environments and strengthen the military’s capacity to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The departure was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters’ Department of Army Training, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present.

The Army said the initiative reflects Shaibu’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups operating in forests, mountainous areas and other difficult environments.

The statement added that the programme aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and combat readiness.

The Army also said the deployment would strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India. Arrangements are underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment of 600 troops.