CDS to deploy 800 special forces to tackle insecurity
CDS
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
By
Solomon Odeniyi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has disclosed plans to deploy over 800 specially trained troops to address mounting security challenges in various parts of the country.
Speaking during the Defence Training Seminar held on Wednesday in Abuja, Musa said the first batch of the special forces had completed rigorous and comprehensive training tailored to combat emerging threats.
Though he did not specify the states they would be deployed to, states such as Benue, Plateau, and Borno have recently witnessed a surge in violent attacks.
“Sometime next week, we will be graduating the first 800 special forces team trained to face the challenges we are undergoing, and the training is very comprehensive,” Musa said.
He added that the special forces troops would be deployed as a unified unit rather than in detachments.
Musa said, “We have realised that deploying them in pieces also creates that weakness that we see. We will be deploying them together—a force that stays together and understands each other. Because from experience, a fighting force must be able to understand themselves.”
According to Musa, the objective of the training is to build a unified training system that is adaptable, cost-effective, and mission-focused, while also enhancing inter-service cooperation and the use of cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced surveillance technology, and cyber warfare capabilities.
“Our mission also aims to create a unified training system that is adaptable, technologically-driven, economical, and mission-driven.
“This entails expanding joint training programmes, doctrinal reviews, performance simulation, and other innovations that will enhance operational ability,”Musa said.
He stressed the importance of understanding the enemy in order to adequately prepare for future threats.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, charged the military to ensure that training programmes align with national security goals.
He emphasized that proactive, forward-thinking training approaches are key to defeating evolving threats.
“We must confront a fundamental question: How can we ensure that our Armed Forces is more proactive and anticipatory in the face of rapidly evolving security threats?”
“The answer lies in strategic investments in performance-oriented training that prioritizes outcomes, simulates real-world complexities, and aligns closely with current and future operational realities, ” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering military capabilities, highlighting plans to review and improve the country’s defence training architecture.
“As part of our strategic vision, we are working closely with the Services to review and enhance our defence training architecture.
“This includes aligning training with strategic defence objectives, upgrading infrastructure, expanding partnerships with global military institutions, and encouraging innovation, ” he said.
Badaru also stressed the importance of joint and combined exercises, saying, “No single service can secure our nation alone.”
Solomon Odeniyi
The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.
Punch Nigeria Limited