By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger State, on Tuesday, graduated a fresh batch of troops for deployment to the North East theatre of operations for counterterrorism operations.

This is contained in a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Godfrey Abakpa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Abakpa said the nine-week training, which began on July 20, was part of the Army Headquarters’ initiative through the Department of Army Operations (DAOPS) to rotate overstayed personnel in the theatre.

In his remarks, the Commander, NATRAC, Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, charged the troops to remain professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

Somoya was represented by the Director, Soldiers Professional Training Directorate, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Hammawa.

He urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during training, avoid hard drugs and intoxicating substances, and ensure clear judgement while in operation.

“You must be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. Uphold professionalism, discipline and the highest standards of conduct as you move to your new assignment,” he said.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff Training and Operations, NATRAC, Col. Gimba Momoh, said the training package covered physical fitness, marksmanship, concealment, covert observation, precision targeting, sniper operations and close-quarter battle.

He added that modules on rules of engagement, law of armed conflict, hostage rescue, and human rights awareness were also included to enable troops to address emerging threats in the theatre.

Momoh said the training was designed to prepare the soldiers for real-life battlefield scenarios, strengthen their operational competence, and ensure strict adherence to global standards of military engagement.

The graduation ceremony marks another step in the Army’s efforts to maintain operational momentum and ensure sustained pressure against insurgents in the North East. (NAN)