Army Makes Fresh Move, Deploys 87 Trained Soldiers To Security Theatres

The Nigerian Army has graduated 87 newly trained soldiers for deployment to various theatres of Operation FANSAN YAMMA as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing security operations and improve operational readiness.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the soldiers, who are members of the 90 Regular Intake, successfully completed the eight-week Exercise Shining Star X/26 at the 1 Division Training School, Dalet Barracks, Kawo, Kaduna.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday and was attended by senior military officers. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, was represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Brigadier General TM Opurum.

Speaking at the ceremony, Opurum said the training was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to enhance the capabilities of army formations and improve their preparedness for military operations.

He explained that the exercise was designed to strengthen the soldiers’ resilience, teamwork, discipline and professionalism while preparing them to respond effectively to security threats within the division’s area of responsibility.

The soldiers received training in several operational areas, including field operations, live-fire exercises, battle inoculation, land navigation, watermanship, tactical motorcycle operations and Improvised Explosive Device awareness.

Opurum said the training also subjected the troops to simulated combat conditions involving fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation to assess their endurance, alertness and ability to operate effectively as a team under challenging circumstances.

He urged the newly graduated soldiers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the exercise as they assume their various operational responsibilities. He also reminded them to remain disciplined and loyal while adhering strictly to the Nigerian Army’s code of conduct and rules of engagement.

Earlier, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Physical Training and Divisional Training Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pharouk Mohammed, said the soldiers underwent intensive tactical, weapons-handling and counter-terrorism training.

Mohammed said the 87 graduates successfully met the required standards in character and learning and were considered prepared to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating troops, the Course Leader, Private Kapnim Bitrus, expressed appreciation to the commanders and instructors for their guidance and support throughout the training programme.

The ceremony featured a number of military demonstrations, including a rapid rifle-stripping and assembly competition as well as a counter-ambush display. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 87 graduates and a group photograph.