The chief of army staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to conduct regular intensive training of troops to bolster their combat readiness for deployment to all manner of operations.

He made this statement at the graduation ceremony of some troops at the end of their 21-week training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre on Saturday in Kontagora, Niger.

Mr Oluyede, who stated that the training aimed to enhance troops’ operational competence, reflected his command’s philosophy of prioritising combat readiness through consistency and standardized mission orientation.

He explained that the exercise was a vital platform for the army to sustain its personnel for deployment across various theatres of operations.

Mr Oluyede commended the troops for their outstanding performance. He noted that their performances demonstrated and affirmed the effectiveness of the training approach.

The army chief added that the exercise was revitalised and conducted in double stream, and was extended from three to six months to deepen and enhance troops’ operational competence and tactical acumen.

John Sokoya, the commander of NATRAC, in an address of welcome, congratulated the trainees for their perseverance, resilience, and doggedness.

He stated that the training was a mission-oriented initiative designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the troops.

Mr. Sokoya further explained that NATRAC was an elite training institution responsible for conducting realistic, mission-specific training in various current and future operations. 

He added that the training was designed to equip troops with the requisite combat proficiency skills in support of Mr Oluyede’s command philosophy.

He enjoined the troops to apply what they had learned, going forward, adding that it would help the army to prepare personnel for deployment, and urged them to imbibe the spirit of warrior ethos that had been instilled in them.

(NAN)