Nigeria’s notorious Special Commandos are most definitely deserving to be on our list due to their fearsome character.. Some might say that actually might be down to their ‘Shoot first, ask later’ reputation. Similar to other special forces in that there really is not much information out there about them, what we know for sure is that they have recently been spotted training with Pakistan’s SSG.
One of their main challenges is having to deal with brutal terrorist group, Boko Haram.
France’s Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN)
Known for the audacious prevention of the Air France hijacking in 1994, unsurprisingly the main brief for France’s GIGN is rescuing hostages in extremely tricky and dangerous situations. Thwarting a plan to fly into the Eiffel Tower by storming the plane and killing all four hijackers, France GIGN showed rare composure and skill to expertly carry out their plan.
Like several other special force units the GIGN formed after the Munich Olympics 1972 massacre, today the group numbers roughly 400 members.
Colombia’s AFEUR
Even if you don’t understand Spanish, Agrupon de Fuerzas Antiterroristas Urbanas has a pretty nice ring to it. Amongst other duties, the AFEUR also provides protection services for VIPS and American diplomats. Guerrilla activity has been rife in Colombia and although the AFEUR is a highly secretive unit, it is a well known fact they have been active in the war against the local militias.
Surprisingly despite the decades long problem with guerilla groups and the need for such a unit to deal with them, it was only after the Dominican embassy siege in 1980, and the Palace of Justice siege in 1985 that the unit came into being.
Denmark’s Frogman Corps
A veteran group formed in 1957, like other special force units Denmark’s Frogman Corps have trained with the British SAS. Apart from well established counter terrorism prowess, they are also tasked with dangerous search and rescue missions and regular law enforcement duties.
The basic Frogman Course last nine long months. Between 500–600 applicants begin the course each year but less than a dozen make it through to the end.
Portugal’s Special Forces
Geographically adjacent to Spain on the most Southwestern part of Europe, you would think this picturesque part of the world has little danger to deal with. But it seems that apart from combating piracy, they also deal in unconventional warfare, rescue missions and have joined the international fight against terror.
Their rallying cry of ‘Mama Sumae’ means ‘Hear we are, ready for the sacrifice’ and is taken from a Bantu tribe in Southern Africa.