WHILE politicians nationwide were planning defections from their parties and shopping where next to berth, a major development on the security landscape took place. Last Monday, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed announced graduation of the first batch of 800 elite Special Operations Forces, SOF. The ceremony took place at Camp Kabala, in Jaji, Kaduna.

Addressing the graduating troops, Matawalle said: “You are now Nigeria’s frontline guardians in our collective war against terror, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency. You embody the resolve of our nation—proof that Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”

Not that we didn’t have troops so designated before. According to Wikipedia, the “72nd Special Forces Battalion is a special forces unit of the Nigerian Army, stationed at Makurdi. Previously it appears to have been the 72 Paratrooper Battalion; it may have been re-designated circa 2010. There are indications that it may be an independent battalion which may report directly to Defence Headquarters.”

As a student of strategic intelligence, I am particularly delighted at this development, especially if they are modelled, equipped and deployed like the British SAS or the US Navy SEALs. I have wondered for long why special operations units have not been part of our armed forces and security architecture. Watchers of international affairs will concur that the safest countries in the world are those that do not joke with matters appertaining to security, and these countries are among the wealthiest in the world, and needless to add, with robust economies. I remain befuddled why Muhammadu Buhari, a trained securityman who left the Nigerian Army with the field rank of major-general, after spending our foreign exchange to attend training in military institutions worldwide, including the War College in the US, did not see the need for special operations units in his two terms in office. His predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan responded better to challenges of terrorism — he it was that ordered creation of the 7th Division of the Nigeria Army.

Special operations troops, worldwide, are dreaded by criminals and terrorists. In US lingo, they are said to be “badass”, meaning they are bad news for terrorists and other criminals. Properly equipped and deployed, a nation can use them to achieve strategic objectives in pursuit of its national interests far beyond its borders in any part of the world. Simple online research will unearth loads of information about special operations forces and their capabilities. 

Without exception, the world’s top economies all have special operations forces. About the most reputed is the British SAS, Special Air Services, a unit of the British Army which was started during World War II. It is one of the best special forces in UK with the primary tasks of counter-terrorism in peace time and to put through special operations in wartime. SAS gained worldwide recognition in 1980 during the Iranian Embassy siege. 

Another equally respected special force is the Navy SEALs. This is the United States Navy’s Sea, Air and Land teams, which also goes back to World War II. Members of this special force are US’s most elite warfare combatants. The SEALs rose up to fame after their joint operations with CIA during the Vietnam War. Navy SEALs and CIA cooperation was seen in war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The famous task of finding Osama Bin Laden and his raid event were also performed by Navy SEALs and CIA in Pakistan. 

Another one is the Delta Force, the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) of USA. It is the best and most secretive force in US which was approved in 1997. The primary tasks of Delta Force are counter-terrorism, national intervention operations and direct actions. 

Yet another is the GSG-9. This is a special operations unit of the German Federal Police and they are the most special force of Germany. GSG-9 was established in 1972 when 11 Israeli athletes got kidnapped in Munich during the summer Olympics games. The forces played the prime role in successfully freeing the athletes. The primary tasks of GSG-9 are to deal with high profile cases of extortion, kidnapping and terrorism. 

There is also the Spetsnaz of Russia. The word spetznaz, meaning special purpose is a general term for special forces units in various post-Soviet states, most notably in Russia. Today, Spetsnaz encompasses special forces units across different branches of the Russian military, law enforcement, and intelligence services.

Pakistan’s Special Services Group, SSG is a special operations unit of the Pakistani Army which was founded in 1956. SSG is also known as Black Stork. Modelled after the British SAS and US Navy SEALs, they are known for their courage and bravery. This special force is currently fighting on the western borders against Taliban. 

France on its own has the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, GIGN. It is a very special force unit of French Armed Forces, formed after Munich riots in 1972 Olympic Games. They specialize in dealing with extreme tasks, counter-terrorism and hostage rescue missions not only in France but all around the world. 

Italy has the Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, the GIS. It is a special force and counter terrorism tactical unit created by Italian military force in 1978. GIS is globally known as a special force to combat the growing threats and counter proliferation.

Now that Nigeria has joined the group of nations with special operations forces, we can be reassured that terrorists, both local and foreign, will be getting more than they ordered in the next few months. I just pray we use them properly.

Special operations troops, worldwide, are dreaded by criminals and terrorists; in US lingo, they are said to be “badass”, meaning they are bad news for terrorists and other criminals; properly equipped and deployed, a nation can use them to achieve strategic objectives in pursuit of its national interests far beyond its borders