The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has called on the first batch of the Special Operations Force to be decisive in combating security threats, protecting lives and property of citizens, and fighting terrorism and banditry across the country.
The Minister made the statement on Monday, June 30, 2025, as during the closing ceremony of the passing out of the first batch of the Special Operations Force at Camp Kabala Jaji, Kaduna.
A statement by Personal Assistant to the Minister of State for Defence on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil said the minister emphasized that Nigeria must be safe and secure and the Federal Government is committed to strengthening military capabilities and the welfare of its troops.
Matawalle, called on the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and patriotism as they prepare for deployment to key operational theatres across the country.
"The Special Operations Force represents a new frontier in our military’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging and unconventional security threats. You are not only warriors — you are ambassadors of the Nigerian Armed Forces and of this great nation."
Matawalle further noted that SOF personnel are “force multipliers” — operators trained to conduct high-risk, precision missions that conventional units may not be able to execute effectively.
He emphasized that these forces are a key component of the joint operational structure of the Armed Forces and are expected to operate in full coordination with land, air, and intelligence units.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, applauded the initiative and stressed that this reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes capacity enhancement and morale building in the face of evolving threats.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, noted that the success of the Special Operations Force would rely not only on technical capability but also on adherence to military ethics, discipline, and the protection of civilian lives.
He said, “You carry the core values of courage, honor, and loyalty. Your duty goes beyond the battlefield — it includes the responsibility to safeguard the dignity of every Nigerian."
Minister Matawalle commended the dedication of the instructors for providing rigorous training and tactical expertise throughout the program. He urged the graduates to carry that same excellence into their deployments in volatile regions such as the Timbuktu Triangle, Shiroro axis, Lamba Forest, and the North-East theatre.
The Special Operations Force is a highly trained unit designed to conduct specialized missions that require precision, agility, and advanced tactical skills. They play a vital role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism and national security operations and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and intelligence systems.
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