From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Sokoto State on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmed Abdul Hassan, has commended the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, for securing a landmark agreement with the Republic of Turkey for the training of 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Sokoto, the retired colonel said: “This initiative represents a strategic and timely intervention in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency, banditry, and other asymmetric security threats.
“Modern security challenges, particularly those driven by non-state actors, require highly specialized skills, advanced tactical training, and adaptive operational frameworks.
“The decision to invest in elite Special Forces training is therefore a critical step toward strengthening the operational effectiveness of our armed forces.
“For years, security experts and stakeholders have consistently advocated the establishment and expansion of well-trained Special Forces units to address unconventional warfare, as well as the activation of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to full operational capacity.”
According to him, the nature of insurgency and banditry demands precision, intelligence-driven operations, and unconventional strategies that go beyond traditional military approaches.
Without such capabilities, the nation risks continued loss of personnel and limited success on the battlefield.
The retired colonel also called for the immediate reactivation and strengthening of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi.
“Revitalizing this critical unit will provide a structured and institutional framework for the training, deployment, and coordination of elite forces dedicated to counter-insurgency and other specialized operations across the country.
“While this training agreement is commendable and forward-looking, we emphasize that capacity building must be complemented by comprehensive welfare improvements for our security personnel.
“Adequate remuneration, modern equipment, psychological support, insurance coverage, and proper living conditions are essential to maintaining morale and ensuring optimal performance in high-risk environments.
“A well-motivated force is a more effective force. We therefore urge the Federal Government to sustain this momentum by institutionalizing continuous specialized training programmes, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, investing in modern intelligence and surveillance technologies, and prioritizing the welfare of all security operatives,” he stated.
The Special Adviser, who also holds the traditional title of Sadaukin Gwadabawa, assured that the Sokoto State Government remains committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security across the nation.
“We reaffirm our belief that, with the right combination of training, strategy, and personnel welfare, Nigeria can decisively overcome its current security challenges,” he suggested.
