By SHAFIQ SHEHU

The Nigerian Army has trained 149 special troops to enhance counter-terrorism operations and address emerging national security threats.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu Waidi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said this on Friday at the graduation of 149 soldiers of the Combat Maneuvre and Tactical Course 1/2026.

The three-month training exercise was conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Regiment Training Centre Annex, Special Operations Base, Bauchi.

Waidi was represented by Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Wunuken Dangana, General Commanding Officer (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army.

He said that the army authorities had prioritised capacity building to improve professionalism, discipline and battle readiness of the personnel.

Waidi said that the course was a significant initiative that demonstrated the growing synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in developing combat-ready personnel.

“It equips participants with tactical knowledge, physical resilience, leadership qualities and combat skills required to operate successfully in today’s operational battlespace.

“As threats continue to evolve, training institutions in the Armed Forces of Nigeria must remain proactive in reviewing and adapting training curricula to ensure that personnel are equipped with the skills,” he said.

Waidi said that the partnership exemplified the Armed Forces’ commitment to optimising available resources through inter-service cooperation while promoting professionalism and operational excellence.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance towards strengthening national security and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The army chief tasked soldiers to be disciplined, professional and combat ready at all times.

While appreciating the NAF Regiment Centre for successful completion of the training exercise, Waidi assured sustainable partnership with the service to address tertorism and emerging national security threats.

Maj.-Gen. VU Okoro, Chief of Training Army Headquarters, said that 149 graduates comprising five officers and 135 soldiers completed the training exercise.

He said that the graduation ceremony was the culmination of a rigorous training schedule designed to enhance the physical endurance, tactical proficiency, mental resilience and operational effectiveness of personnel for the demanding nature of contemporary military operations.

Okoro said that the army continued to operate in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) and evolving security environment that requires highly trained, adaptable and mission-oriented personnel.

According to Okoro, the course aims to equip the personnel with the requisite knowledge, skills and fighting spirit to confront emerging threats and effectively execute assigned missions.

“I am aware that the standard of the training provided a comprehensive training package that combined physical conditioning, tactical skills, weapons proficiency, combat care and operational planning in all aspects of warfare.

“The culmination of the training in Exercise FLUSH OUT provided an opportunity for the trainees to demonstrate their ability to integrate the acquired skills in planning and executing operations under realistic field conditions.

“This achievement reflects the determination, perseverance and willingness to endure the physical and mental demands of the training,” he said.

Okoro urged the trainees to regard their graduation as the beginning of greater responsibilities through conduct, professionalism and effectiveness in the field.

“You must remain disciplined, uphold the highest standards of military ethics, protect the lives of fellow personnel and civilians, and apply the skills acquired to accomplish assigned missions,” he said.

He lauded Waidi for his commitment to training, capacity development and professional excellence that provided the necessary impetus for the army to develop a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.

Okoro also commended staff of the NAF Regiment Training Centre for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the successful conduct of the exercise.

Also, Sqn. Ldr. EL Akpan, Commander, NAF Regiment Training Centre, said that 150 trainees enlisted for the exercise which began in July, 2026.

He said that the exercise was conceived to enhance the tactical competence, physical resilience, combat leadership, and operational effectiveness of Army personnel through rigourous and realistic training to prepare for the demand of contemporary operations.

The event featured military drills and presentation of prizes to the best performing graduates, and senior military officers for their contributions to the succesful conduct of the exercise. (NAN)