Military
COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness
COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to intensify unit-level training, emphasising weapons handling, tactical proficiency, and operational readiness to enhance combat effectiveness.
Addressing troops of 82 Division in Enugu on Thursday, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu highlighted the critical role of senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and unit leaders in preparing soldiers for active operations and future security challenges.
Shaibu commended troops deployed in Enugu State for their professionalism during the recently concluded Anambra State elections, urging them to continue upholding Army core values, obey lawful orders, and exercise due diligence in all assigned tasks.

He congratulated the division for ensuring the successful conduct of the elections, noting that the outcome would not have been possible without their discipline and commitment.
“Are you promising me you will uphold that?” the COAS asked, receiving affirmations from the troops.
The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare of all personnel, highlighting the “soldier-first” concept. He assured that the well-being of every officer and soldier would be properly safeguarded, and urged troops to remain resolute and focused in the execution of their missions.
The COAS urged troops to remain committed and resolute in the execution of all missions, highlighting the direct impact of their presence on maintaining security and enabling normal civic activities.
He encouraged soldiers to take pride in their work, noting that their dedication directly contributes to maintaining operational effectiveness and security stability.
“Operational readiness is more than mere presence; it is about consistent unit training, basic tactics, and supervision at every level,” he said. “Senior NCOs must ensure that all soldiers are thoroughly trained on the fundamentals of weapon handling, minor tactics, and operational principles.”
The COAS specifically stressed the importance of weapons proficiency, instructing troops to know the effective ranges of their arms, including the SLR and AK-47.
“If you see an enemy at 300 or 400 metres, you should be able to neutralise them. This is not theoretical; it is what makes a soldier effective in combat,” he added.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also encouraged officers and NCOs to supervise closely, mentor younger soldiers, and instil discipline and operational competence at the unit level.

He pointed out the pivotal role of NCOs in ensuring that soldiers are capable of responding decisively during crises or skirmishes.
“You are the key link in preparing soldiers for operations. Take unit training very seriously. Your supervision determines the operational effectiveness of your troops,” he said, seeking and receiving verbal commitments from all senior NCOs and young officers present.
The COAS further reiterated the Army’s “soldier-first” philosophy, stressing that the welfare of officers and soldiers would continue to be a priority, ensuring that personnel remain motivated and mission-ready.
The RSM Convention, attended by senior officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors, formation commanders, and representatives from other security agencies, featured interactive lectures and practical sessions designed to strengthen regimental standards, leadership, discipline, and operational efficiency.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said the insights and best practices shared at the convention should be taken back to individual units to sustain combat readiness, improve morale, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
He noted that all enablers have been provided to the troops and urged them to ensure professionalism in their operations while assuring them that their welfare will be well taken care of.
COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness
Military
Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno
Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Military in Operation HADIN KAI has recorded another significant success against terrorist elements in Borno State, neutralising scores of insurgents and destroying a gun truck during a precision air interdiction mission.
Military sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on June 4 following credible intelligence and aerial surveillance over the Madamari general area in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the sources, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, detected a group of about 15 terrorists who had dismounted from a gun truck and assembled under a tree within the target area.
Upon positive identification and confirmation of hostile activity, the platform designated the target and guided a strike aircraft onto the location.
“The strike aircraft executed a precise engagement on the terrorist gathering, resulting in the neutralisation of all the terrorists at the location,” the source said.
In a follow-up strike, the ISR platform tracked and designated the terrorists’ gun truck, which was subsequently destroyed by precision munitions. Four additional terrorists were neutralised in the process.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the operation revealed that surviving terrorists in the vicinity were seen fleeing in different directions in an attempt to evade further air strikes, indicating the effectiveness of the engagement.
The sources said that the successful operation is part of sustained air offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their freedom of movement and denying them safe havens across the North-East theatre.
Military high command at Operation HADIN KAI reiterated their commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements and their logistics networks, in its ongoing clearance operations across the region.
Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno
Military
Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures
Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures
By: Zagazola Makama
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Maj.-Gen. K.M. Gara, on Friday visited the boundary area between Nasarawa and Kaduna States to assess the security situation and strengthen operational coordination along the Akwanga–Kaduna highway corridor.
Security sources said the visit, which took place at about 12:42 p.m. on June 5, also included the Commander of the Garrison, Brig.-Gen. D.C. Nwakonobi, and the Nasarawa State Police Area Commander, DCP S. Alli.

According to the sources, the team inspected operational deployments and received briefings on the security situation and combat readiness of troops from the Sub-Sector 71 Commander under Operation Safe Haven.
The sources added that the visit was aimed at assessing the highway axis between Akwanga and the boundary between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, with a view to strengthening measures against persistent kidnapping incidents along the route.
They noted that the exercise also sought to enhance synergy between Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke in addressing insecurity in the general area.
“The visit was part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping along major highways and improve inter-agency coordination,” the sources said.
The sources further confirmed that the visit was conducted peacefully without any security incident.

They added that routine patrols were ongoing across the Joint Operations Area to protect schools, churches and other critical national infrastructure.
Troops’ morale and operational efficiency, the sources said, remained satisfactory across the theatre.
Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures
Military
Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo
Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday commenced the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week (COSAT) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with a call for enhanced adaptability, resilience and indigenous innovation to strengthen operational effectiveness.
The event, hosted by the Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), was held at the Ibom Hall in Uyo Local Government Area and brought together senior military officers, government officials and other stakeholders.
The theme of the training week is: “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Adaptability and Resilience Through Indigenous Innovation for Integrated Operational Support Within a Joint and Multi-agency Framework.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, participants underscored the importance of leveraging local innovation and inter-agency collaboration to address evolving security challenges and enhance operational support capabilities.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekon (Rtd), attended the event alongside top military officials and invited guests.
Also present were the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. A.A. Adekeye; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. E.E. Emekah; and the Chief Host and Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Maj.-Gen. R.E. Hedima.
Other attendees included corps commanders, senior serving and retired military officers, the Commander 2 Brigade/Sector 4 Operation Delta Safe, as well as representatives of various security agencies and organisations.
Activities conducted during the opening ceremony included professional lectures, static displays by combat support corps and the presentation of souvenirs.
The training week is expected to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development and the exchange of ideas aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to provide effective combat support within joint and multi-agency operations.
The event was conducted without any security or logistical incidents.
Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo
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