Kachia: The Nigerian Army has successfully graduated 1,182 troops from the 10th batch of its Advanced Infantry Training Programme, held at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATC) in Kachia, Kaduna State. Under the initiative dubbed Exercise Restore Hope X, these soldiers completed their training on Friday, marking a significant development in the army’s efforts to enhance its combat readiness and operational capabilities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, emphasized that the programme aims to sharpen the combat skills of the troops, instill a warrior ethos, and prepare them for contemporary military operations. This advanced training has become a central part of the Nigerian Army’s post-basic training framework, especially at a time when the army is undergoing force expansion and capability enhancement following the recent restructuring approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu noted that many of the graduates from this training would play critical roles in the newly established formations and units. He urged the troops to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment in their missions, stressing the importance of adaptability and innovation in facing sophisticated adversaries. The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous training to enhance the skills and operational capacity of its personnel, highlighting the various security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, and banditry that the country faces.
The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, highlighted the successful completion of this six-month exercise, which equips troops with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective operation in modern military environments. Initially conducted by foreign partners, the training is now run by indigenous instructors who have improved its scope and efficiency. Maj.-Gen. Okoro noted that previous graduates have made significant contributions across various operational theaters, demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme.
The training methodology focused on realism, teamwork, discipline, and mission-oriented objectives, and improvements in the trainees’ physical fitness, tactical competence, and decision-making ability were evident. Exercise Restore Hope has been established as the primary model for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training within the Army, with the COAS approving Basic Infantry Course certificates and trade certifications for the graduates. The successful conduct of the exercise was attributed to the contributions of the COAS, instructors, training partners, and other stakeholders, with the ceremony featuring demonstrations of combat skills acquired by the troops during their training.