Military
Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian journalist, Nokai Origin, has shared a captivating firsthand account of her transformative experience at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, during Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025, where she joined members of Course 47 in a month-long military immersion programme.
The exercise, designed to bridge civil-military understanding, offered participants an opportunity to experience life in uniform a rare glimpse into the discipline, precision, and mental toughness that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Recounting her experience, the journalist described it as “a journey of unlearning, learning, and relearning,” adding that she had little idea what awaited her when she set out for the prestigious military institution earlier in September.
“It was experiencing the military setup and routines, immersing in the tradition, drills, discipline, and conduct,” she said. “A time for some of us to get into the khaki and boots to feel and experience firsthand what our military personnel go through daily.”
One of the highlights of the exercise was a simulation tagged “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” where participants were subjected to a series of physical and tactical challenges. Despite initial apprehension, the journalist rose to the occasion literally conquering the obstacle course and earning the Commander’s Medal for being the first female participant to ascend and descend the hurdles carrying a heavy military backpack.
“I wobbled at first when they placed the pack on me,” she laughed, “but it turned out to be the most outstanding part of the entire experience.”
Beyond the drills and physical exertion, she said the exercise provided deeper insight into the dedication and sacrifices of men and women in uniform. “I saw the military in a different light,” she noted. “It gave me a new understanding and appreciation for what they do to keep the country safe.”
Over the course of the programme, participants interacted with officers from across Nigeria and several African countries fostering bonds, friendships, and professional connections that transcended borders.
She expressed profound gratitude to the hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the management of AFCSC for opening their doors to civilians, saying the experience has left her “forever inspired by the courage, commitment, and character of the military institution.”
Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have recovered about 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Sources told Zagazola that troops of the 146 Battalion (Maritime) discovered a wooden boat anchored around the Lady B creeks, loaded with the crude oil suspected to have been illegally bunkered.
The recovered items were handled in accordance with the directives of OPDS, the statement added.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, urging residents and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to protect national resources.
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected spy attempting to infiltrate a military defensive position in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday at Isabang settlement while allegedly conducting reconnaissance on troops’ locations.
According to the sources, troops of the 245 Battalion intercepted the suspect during a routine security sweep, leading to his arrest.
Items recovered from the suspect include a short locally made pistol, a cutlass, a torchlight and two mobile phones.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to being a spy allegedly sent by a criminal group to carry out reconnaissance within the community,” the source said.
He added that the suspect also provided useful intelligence, including the identity of one Christopher Emmanuel, popularly known as “Black Stone,” as a member of the group responsible for a recent attack on troops in the area.
The sources noted that troops have since intensified aggressive patrols across the Odonget general area and its environs to deter further hostile activities.
They reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on March 14 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Crush, Sector 1.
According to the sources, the troops carried out a targeted raid on a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout located along Bende Road following credible intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of substances suspected to be psychotropic drugs.
The troops recovered the exhibits at the scene and secured the area before concluding the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects and the recovered items had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Umuahia for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security officials noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities within the state.
They reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
VP Shettima: Nigeria, Determined To Promote, Protect Human Rights
Doma United secure NPFL promotion with win over Mighty Jets
Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
