The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to regular and intensive training of troops to strengthen their combat readiness for deployment to various operational theatres.

Lt.-Gen. Oluyede made this known on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of troops who had completed a 21-week training programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, Niger State.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI (FANSA YAMMA), the COAS said the training reflected the Army’s strategic emphasis on consistent and standardised mission-oriented preparation.

He praised the graduating troops for their resilience and outstanding performances, noting that their display affirmed the effectiveness of the current training model.

According to him, the training duration had been extended from three to six months and is now conducted in double streams to deepen operational competence and tactical acumen.

“This intensive exercise is designed to build confidence and operational proficiency in line with my command philosophy, which prioritises combat readiness through continuous and mission-focused training,” Oluyede stated.

In his welcome address, the Commander of NATRAC, Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, congratulated the trainees for their perseverance and commitment. He described the programme as a mission-oriented initiative tailored to meet the dynamic security challenges facing the country.

“NATRAC is an elite institution tasked with delivering realistic and mission-specific training that equips our troops for both current and emerging operations,” Sokoya added.

The event marked another step in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational effectiveness and sustain its commitment to national security.