Nigeria to deploy 200 special forces to Türkiye for training

Nigeria has secured a new defence partnership with Türkiye that will see 200 special forces personnel deployed for training as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s military capacity.

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed the development on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Antalya, where he held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler.

According to Musa, the agreement includes an immediate training quota for Nigerian special forces, with deployment expected to begin as soon as he returns to Nigeria.

“We have a Special Forces training agreement. Türkiye has agreed to train 200 of our personnel, and we will commence deployment immediately,” he said.

Beyond training, both countries are also exploring deeper military cooperation, including joint production of defence equipment and the transfer of military technology, an area where Türkiye has made significant progress in recent years.

Musa noted that the partnership is part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, particularly as the country continues to battle insurgency and other forms of asymmetric warfare.

He pointed out that while Nigeria has spent about 17 years confronting insurgency, Türkiye brings decades of experience from its own counter-terrorism operations, making the collaboration strategically important.

The minister added that future engagements would include joint military exercises, exchange programmes for officers, and expanded cooperation in defence industrial development.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, themed “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” brought together global leaders, ministers, and policymakers to discuss pressing geopolitical, security, and economic challenges, providing a platform for Nigeria to deepen bilateral defence ties.

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