Nigerian Army Deploys Special Forces to Boost Security in Three States

In a move to reinforce internal security, the Nigerian Army has deployed specially trained troops to Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. The soldiers, from the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion XV, have been assigned as a force multiplier to the existing Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE.

The deployment was announced in a statement on Tuesday by the acting Media Information Officer for the operation, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu. It follows the troops’ recent completion of an intensive Special Forces training program at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora, Niger State.

According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, approved the deployment of the newly graduated soldiers to key operational areas across the country, including the restive region covered by Operation WHIRL STROKE.

The Army stated that the troops arrived with high morale and are expected to bolster ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, address banditry and armed violence, and restore normalcy. The intervention also aims to safeguard farming communities and protect livelihoods in areas affected by persistent insecurity.

Welcoming the troops, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, tasked them to apply their training with professionalism and commitment. He emphasized the need for decisiveness against criminal elements while urging collaboration with other security agencies and respect for human rights.

This deployment to the three states comes just a day after similar special forces were sent to Plateau State, signaling a continued military focus on stabilizing vulnerable regions.