Army Boosts Operational Capacity With Battle-Ready Soldiers
By Matthew Atungwu
The Nigerian Army, having spent months in intense training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kachia, Kaduna State, has released a fresh wave of battle-hardened soldiers to tackle the nation’s insecurity problem.
According to a statement issued by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the graduates were shown through a series of hands-on demonstrations how well they had learned tactical maneuvers, physical prowess, advanced shooting drills, warrior ethos, and other critical skills.
He said the training package, code named, “Exercise Restore Hope V”, was to adapt personnel who recently passed out of Depot Nigerian Army to the challenges posed by the ever-changing nature of threats within Nigeria’s security environment.
Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, addressed the graduating troops and stated that the exercise’s goal was for the Nigerian army to plug gaps in its operations by providing targeted, flexible, and efficient training.
According to Lagbaja, the goal of the training was to generate extremely qualified and capable labour for operational assignments across all theatres.
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He added that the training perfectly resonates with his Command Philosophy, which is to “transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force, towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
The COAS said that ‘Exercise Restore Hope’ would offer a unique post-depot training model, designed to enhance the professionalism and battle readiness of young soldiers.
He emphasized that training was a key investment needed to achieve operational successes, adding that a nation that places a high premium on funding troops’ training will spend less in prosecuting her wars.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and performance of the troops in the demonstration drills and implored them to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the exercise in the field, to create a safe and secure environment for socio-economic development.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his untiring support to the Nigerian army as well as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for their efforts in the capacity development of the army to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
During a tour of the facility at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, located in the same Kachia, Lagbaje urged troops to shun all social vices and remain professional and loyal to the Constitution and Government of Nigeria.
He reiterated his commitment to guaranteeing their welfare as topmost on his agenda for the Nigerian army.
He used the opportunity to inaugurate the school Bakery to meet the confectionary needs of both personnel and students in the school.
Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, the Chief of Training for the Army, stated at the graduation that the soldiers had been equipped with the necessary military skills to adjust to the constantly changing security environment in the nation after undergoing a 16-week intense training programme.
Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Commandants of Nigerian Army Schools, and Heads of Security Agencies in Kaduna are among the dignitaries who attended the occasion.
His Royal Highness Zamani Dogonyaro, the Agom Kachia of Kachia Chiefdom, and representatives of Kachia Local Government were also present during the event.