The Yobe State Government has moved to clarify uncertainties surrounding the status of a Nigerian Army training facility in Buni Yadi, following public speculation about its potential closure. Authorities confirmed the site will remain operational but with a revised role, amid broader military restructuring efforts aimed at addressing security challenges in Nigeria’s conflict-affected northeast.
Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe government, emphasized that the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi is not being relocated, countering rumors that arose after a new facility’s launch in Doma, Nasarawa State. The Buni Yadi center will instead transition to a “Nigerian Army Acclimatisation Centre,” focused on preparing troops for deployment in the region. “This facility has always handled pre-induction training for soldiers entering the Northeast Theatre,” Abdulsalam stated, referencing the area’s prolonged fight against insurgent groups. “Its core function remains unchanged.”
The clarification comes after Nigeria’s military leadership inaugurated a Special Forces Command Headquarters in Doma on August 15, 2025, accompanied by plans to establish a co-located training school. Abdulsalam explained that the new Doma school would specialize in advanced Special Forces training, while Buni Yadi’s repurposed center would concentrate on acclimatization—a process critical for troops adjusting to the region’s harsh terrain and climate before active duty. “Co-locating the Doma school with the command structure ensures strategic coordination,” he added, noting the expansion reflects evolving security needs rather than a diminished role for existing facilities.
Yobe officials acknowledged public concern over the changes, particularly from local communities where military installations contribute to economic activity and a sense of security. The government praised residents for their continued support of troops and reiterated the importance of Buni Yadi’s operations. Northeast Nigeria has faced over a decade of instability linked to groups like Boko Haram, with military bases frequently targeted in attacks.
Analysts suggest the dual-site approach could streamline specialized training while maintaining regional readiness. The Buni Yadi center’s focus on acclimatization aligns with documented challenges troops face in arid environments, where dehydration and fatigue have historically impacted operational effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Doma facility’s advanced programs may bolster Nigeria’s counterinsurgency capabilities amid persistent threats.
Military reforms under Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede have prioritized modernization, including the establishment of new commands and training hubs. The developments underscore efforts to adapt to asymmetric warfare demands while addressing communal apprehensions about resource allocation. Authorities stress that both facilities will operate concurrently, with Buni Yadi retaining its strategic significance in Nigeria’s security architecture.
