By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army has graduated new set of battle-ready troops to confront insecurity in the country, after months of rigorous training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kachia in Kaduna state.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig -Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the graduation event featured practical demonstration of military drills, showcasing the soldiers’ newly acquired competences in tactical manouevre, physical proficiency, advance shooting drills, Warrior ethos, unarmed combat, among other vital 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.

Addressing the graduating troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the objective of the exercise was an effort by the Nigerian army to close observed gaps in its operations through focused, adaptive, and effective training.

Lagbaja said the training was conducted with a view to producing highly skilled and competent manpower for operational engagements in all theatres.

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 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 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.

At the graduation, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said that the 16 weeks rigorous training had imbued the troops with requisite military bearing to adapt to the highly dynamic security situation in the country.

Dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony are Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Commandants of Nigerian Army Schools and Heads of Security Agencies in Kaduna.

Also at the event are the Agom Kachia of Kachia Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Zamani Dogonyaro and representatives from Kachia Local Government. (NAN)

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