The Nigerian Army has trained 200 soldiers in special marine operations to properly equip them to combat oil theft and sea piracy in the Niger Delta region. The soldiers will also be involved in rescue missions along the waterways in Niger Delta.

Commander of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Stevenson Olabanji, who spoke at the graduation ceremony of young soldiers of 73 Regular Recruit Intake in Harry’s Town, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, said the soldiers were trained by the sector 2 unit of Operation Pulo Shield.

Olabanji stated that the training is aimed to equip soldiers with requisite marine skills and boost troop’s readiness at combating oil theft in the region, adding: “This swimming exercise aimed to equip the young soldiers with necessary survival skills as they will be operating in coastal areas.”

He stated: “The army leadership has taken personnel training seriously in view of current security challenges confronting the nation in the North-East and other parts of the country.

“The training began December 14 with 200 young soldiers fresh from Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, with aim to familiarise them with their operating environment.”

The soldiers were trained in basic unit regimentation covering field craft and minor tactics, internal security operations, general service knowledge, range classification and swimming, among others.

Olabanji maintained that the training would boost proficiency of the soldiers to better navigate the creeks, so that the army can effectively combat oil theft and attacks on oil installations by vandals in the region.

•Sourced from Newswatch Times. Photo shows soldiers undergoing training.

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