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, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.
The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.
According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.
The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Military airstrikes eliminate scores of ISWAP terrorists in Borno operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Precision air interdiction missions conducted by the Nigerian Air Force component of Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated scores of ISWAP terrorists in separate coordinated strikes at Kangarwa and Ali Jilamari areas of the Northern Tumbuns in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were executed on April 1, following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The source said the first strike was carried out at about 12:05 p.m. on ISWAP enclaves in Kangarwa, a known terrorist stronghold, after ISR conducted on March 27 confirmed mass movement of fighters within the location.
According to him, airborne surveillance identified multiple terrorists operating around and inside structures within the enclave before precision munitions were delivered in successive attack passes.
He said the targeted structures were completely destroyed, with scores terrorists neutralised in the strike, while others scampered for safety in different direction.
In a separate operation at about 4:45 p.m. the same day, the air component conducted another interdiction mission at Ali Jilamari, described as a newly established terrorist hideout in the Northern Tumbuns.
The source said the mission followed credible human intelligence and ISR confirmation, which revealed active terrorist logistics hubs and structures within the area.
He added that the air platforms engaged the targets with precision strikes, destroying identified structures and logistics hubs while eliminating additional terrorists.
The source described the operations as part of sustained air offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and denying them freedom of movement in the Lake Chad Basin.
Military airstrikes eliminate scores of ISWAP terrorists in Borno operations
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 repel bandits’ attack in AgatuBenue
Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna
Six more top bandit leaders eliminated alongside Ado Allero’s son in Zamfara offensive
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