The Nigerian Army has established a dedicated Airborne Training School at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State to bolster its tactical capabilities against terrorism, insurgency, and asymmetric warfare.
Unveiling the facility on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, directed the institution to train agile, mission-ready personnel capable of executing complex airborne and special operations across challenging terrains.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu said the school represents a key upgrade in force deployment, giving the military the capacity to rapidly insert specialized units during high-risk operations.
“The changing nature of warfare and the growing sophistication of asymmetric threats demand forces that are highly trained, adaptable, and capable of operating in diverse environments,” the Army Chief said.
He tasked the school’s leadership and instructors to maintain an operationally relevant curriculum aligned with global best practices while directly addressing Nigeria’s specific security challenges.
According to the COAS, the facility will serve as a center of excellence for parachuting, air assault, and specialized operations. It will also work in tandem with Nigerian Army Aviation to project combat-ready troops swiftly during joint and multi-agency missions.
He assured the school of ongoing support from Army Headquarters, including modern infrastructure, specialized equipment, and elite personnel.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Airborne School, Brigadier General Muhammed Sani Usman, revealed that the facility was upgraded from a specialized wing within the Nigerian Army School of Infantry to an independent, full-fledged institution.
Brig. Gen. Usman explained that the expansion aligns with current force expansion plans to enhance specialized air-ground integration.
