Nigerian Army Sends 600 Soldiers to India for Jungle, Mountain Warfare Training

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The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving combat readiness and strengthening the force’s ability to operate in difficult terrain.

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

The deployment was confirmed in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), which said the programme was designed to improve the troops’ operational capabilities in challenging environments.

Major General Umar Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Military Training and Simulation at Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the departure. India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria was also present.

According to the report, the departure proceeded without any hitches, while arrangements were being made to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment.

The specialised training is expected to expose the soldiers to techniques for operating in dense forests, mountainous regions and other demanding environments where difficult terrain can complicate military operations.

The Army said the initiative reflects its commitment to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding to security threats and operating effectively in different geographical conditions.

The programme also forms part of broader efforts to improve professional competence, enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen personnel development within the Nigerian Army.

The training is expected to reinforce defence cooperation between Nigeria and India, which have maintained military engagement through professional exchanges and specialised training programmes.

The deployment comes as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency and attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country. The Army’s emphasis on specialised training is intended to improve troops’ ability to function in environments where conventional approaches may be less effective.

The remaining 300 soldiers are expected to travel to India in a subsequent deployment, bringing the total number scheduled for the programme to 600.

The Army has not publicly detailed the full duration of the training or the specific locations in India where the personnel will be trained.