Nigeria to Deploy 200 Special Forces to Türkiye for Training
Nigeria and Türkiye have concluded an agreement for the training of 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and deepening bilateral military cooperation.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Saturday during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Antalya, where he held high-level discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Yaşar Güler.
Musa stated that Türkiye has approved a training quota for the Nigerian personnel and that deployment arrangements would commence immediately.
“We have secured a Special Forces training agreement. Türkiye has approved 200 trainees, and as soon as I return, we will begin their deployment for training,” he said.
He added that the initiative forms part of broader defence collaboration between both countries, which will also include joint military exercises scheduled later in the year.
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Beyond training, the minister revealed that Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to explore joint production of defence equipment and facilitate the transfer of military technology, a development expected to enhance Nigeria’s growing defence industrial base.
According to Musa, the partnership builds on longstanding relations between the two nations, noting that Türkiye’s advancements in defence manufacturing present significant opportunities for Nigeria.
“Türkiye has made remarkable progress in military hardware production. We are looking at areas of collaboration, including co-production and knowledge sharing to strengthen our capabilities,” he said.
He further noted that both countries share extensive experience in combating asymmetric threats, with Nigeria engaged in counter-insurgency operations for over a decade, while Türkiye has confronted terrorism for several decades.
The minister said the agreement would also promote the exchange of military personnel and expertise, as well as capacity building in training and defence production.
The development underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces and enhance operational readiness through strategic international partnerships.
By PRNigeria
