The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has announced the graduation of the first batch of 800 elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) at Camp Kabala, Jaji, Kaduna.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that this milestone represents a significant advancement in the Federal Government’s commitment to combating insecurity in Nigeria.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s strategic commitment to enhance national security through advanced military training and collaborative operations. He stated that the SOF would play a crucial role in the government’s efforts to modernize the Armed Forces, incorporating specialized training, state-of-the-art equipment, and integrated intelligence systems.
Addressing the newly graduated troops, Dr. Matawalle reminded them that their mission is not one of conquest, but of peace. He urged them to operate with precision, fight with courage, lead with honour, and protect with humanity. The Minister also emphasized that the SOF would be deployed in high-risk areas, including Zamfara, Kaduna, and the North-East, to combat terror, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, commended the dedication and resilience displayed by both the trainees and their instructors. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a modern, professional, and highly motivated military capable of addressing contemporary threats with precision and confidence.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of discipline and ethics. He emphasized that the Armed Forces is a disciplined and dignified institution, and that the SOF must protect the innocent, uphold the law, and honour their uniform. The graduation of this first cohort of SOF marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence capabilities and respond effectively to internal and external security challenges.