By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — Nigeria has strengthened its global security partnerships with a new defence agreement with Turkey to train 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel, in a move aimed at boosting the country’s counter-terrorism and military capabilities.
The initiative, facilitated by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has been described by security experts as a strategic step in addressing insurgency, banditry and other evolving threats.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmed Abdul Hassan, commended the agreement, calling it a timely intervention that could significantly enhance Nigeria’s military preparedness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Sokoto, Hassan said the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices in military training and strengthening international cooperation against terrorism and organised armed violence.
“This initiative represents a strategic response to Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency, banditry and other asymmetric security threats,” he said.
He noted that modern security challenges, largely driven by non-state actors, require specialised skills, advanced tactical training and adaptive operational strategies beyond conventional military approaches.
According to him, the planned training of elite forces would improve the operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s armed forces and enhance rapid response capabilities across different regions.
Hassan also renewed calls for the full reactivation and strengthening of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi, stressing that a functional and well-equipped unit is critical to coordinating specialised counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
He warned that without precision-driven, intelligence-based operations supported by modern technology, efforts to combat highly mobile armed groups may continue to face setbacks.
The security adviser further noted that international defence partnerships such as the one with Turkey highlight the need for collaborative responses to global security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime.
While describing the training deal as forward-looking, he emphasised that sustained investment in personnel welfare, intelligence infrastructure and modern equipment remains essential to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness.
Hassan urged the Federal Government to build on the initiative, noting that strengthening elite forces would not only improve internal security but also reinforce Nigeria’s role in regional and global peacekeeping efforts.
Article Nigeria seals Turkey Special Forces Training deal Live On NgGossips.
