COAS Deploys Trained Soldiers To Lead Newly Established Divisions, Formations
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged soldiers graduating from Exercise RESTORE HOPE X Advanced Infantry Training Programme to form the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s newly established divisions and formations.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the graduation ceremony of the programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATC), Kachia, Kaduna State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of additional divisions, formations and units to strengthen military operations nationwide.
The COAS said many of the graduates would immediately form the nucleus of the new formations, where they are expected to deploy the advanced combat skills acquired during the intensive training to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging threats.
He urged the soldiers to justify the investment in their training through professionalism, courage, discipline and sound judgment, while remaining physically fit, mentally resilient and technologically proficient.
Shaibu also stressed the need for strict adherence to the rules of engagement, respect for human rights and the rule of law, noting that operational success must remain anchored on discipline and professionalism.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described RESTORE HOPE X as a key component of the Army’s post-basic infantry training architecture. He said the programme covered tactical operations, counter-insurgency, leadership, marksmanship, field craft and combat endurance.
Okoro said graduates of previous editions had distinguished themselves in various operational theatres, while the programme had continued to strengthen the Army’s institutional capacity through standardised advanced infantry training and improved instructional methods.
The graduation comes as the Nigerian Army accelerates force expansion and modernisation efforts aimed at improving operational readiness and strengthening its capacity to confront Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
