The Nigerian Army on Friday graduated 1,178 Special Forces troops from the 10th batch of its Advanced Infantry Training Programme, charging them to uphold human rights and the rule of law while confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The six-month training, conducted under Exercise Restore Hope X at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kachia, Kaduna State, is aimed at strengthening the Army’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said the programme had become a cornerstone of the Nigerian Army’s post-basic training, designed to produce a professional, combat-ready and resilient force capable of addressing evolving security challenges.
Shaibu said, “The programme is designed to instil the warrior ethos, sharpen combat skills and prepare our soldiers to confront emerging security threats.”
He noted that the graduation coincided with the Army’s ongoing force expansion and capability enhancement following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of additional divisions, formations and units.
According to him, many of the graduating troops will serve as the foundation of the newly created formations.
Shaibu urged the soldiers to justify the investment made in their training by demonstrating professionalism, sound judgment and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He said, “Our adversaries continue to evolve in tactics and sophistication. You must remain adaptable, innovative, physically fit, mentally alert and technologically proficient to defeat them.”
The Army chief identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations and transnational organised crime as major threats confronting Nigeria.
He further reminded the troops to respect the rule of law, protect the rights of civilians and strictly observe the rules of engagement during operations.
Shaibu added, “I charge you to remain morally upright and conduct yourselves in a manner that reflects the values of the Nigerian Army.”
