The Nigerian Army has reviewed the recruit training curriculum to strengthen the capacity of newly enlisted soldiers to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency and emerging security threats nationwide.

Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, said this on Thursday during the Beating of Retreat and Award Ceremony for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Mr Olatoye said the curriculum review was part of efforts to align recruit training with Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

Mr Olatoye said that through the revised training curriculum, the recruits had acquired relevant competencies required for contemporary military operations nationwide.

The commander said greater emphasis had been placed on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to prepare recruits for emerging threats and enhance the army’s capacity to respond effectively to security challenges.

According to Mr Olatoye, the revised curriculum reflects current operational realities and equips recruits with the foundational knowledge, discipline and professional skills required for modern military engagements across theatres.

Mr Olatoye said the training had equipped recruits with competencies required to support ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security and public safety.

He expressed confidence that the recruits would contribute meaningfully to operational success upon deployment, having undergone training tailored to contemporary battlefield requirements and emerging security realities.

The commander reiterated the army’s commitment to developing personnel capable of responding professionally to threats by continuously improving training doctrine, instructional methods, and operational preparedness.

Olatoye commended the commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Ahmadu-Bello Mohammed, the instructors and staff, for successfully implementing the revised training programme and maintaining standards.

He said the demonstrations and drills displayed at the event reflected the effectiveness of the training curriculum and the preparedness of recruits for future operational responsibilities nationwide.

Earlier, Mohammed said the ceremony was organised to mark the completion of the training activities for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake.

He said the event provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding recruits and companies that distinguished themselves in military training, sporting activities and other competitive exercises.

Mr Mohammed explained that the award ceremony was designed to reward diligence, excellence and commitment by recruits who excelled individually, while also recognising high-performing training companies.

He said the 90 Regular Recruits Intake commenced training on Jan. 21, and would formally pass out on June 20, after completing the prescribed training programme.

Mr Mohammed said that 6,001 recruits commenced training at the institution, while 5,876 recruits successfully completed the programme, and were due to participate in the passing-out parade.

He said the training exercise stretched the institution’s human and material resources considerably, reflecting the scale of effort required to prepare recruits for military service.

(NAN)