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

The first batch of 300 soldiers departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, 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 deployment was initiated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities in difficult environments.

Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, represented the Army Chief at the departure. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present.

The Army said the specialised training would improve soldiers’ operational skills and prepare them to operate more effectively in forests, mountainous regions and other challenging terrains.

The initiative also aligns with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and combat readiness, the statement added.

The deployment is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and India while supporting the Army’s efforts to protect the country’s territorial integrity and safeguard lives and property.

The Army said arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the deployment.