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
Military
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Benue
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have rescued a kidnapped victim following a swift response to a suspected terrorist attack in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops, deployed at Abaji, acted on a report at about 1:45 p.m. on April 21 regarding an attack at Tumataa community.
On arrival, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victim and flee the scene.
The victim was successfully rescued and has since been reunited with family members.
The sources added that troops are sustaining operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Benue
Military
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.
The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.
“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.
The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.
They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.
Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.
Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
Military
Troops Respond to Kidnap Incident in Plateau, Launch Rescue Operation
Troops Respond to Kidnap Incident in Plateau, Launch Rescue Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have responded to a kidnap incident involving a female resident in Plateau State, with efforts ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on April 21 at Nagwak village in Gindiri District of Mangu Local Government Area.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, operating under Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with other security agencies, responded swiftly to reports of the abduction.
“On arrival at the scene, troops discovered the husband of the abducted woman with gunshot wounds,” a source said.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated by the troops to a medical facility for treatment.
According to the sources, preliminary findings indicate that the attackers abducted the female victim before fleeing the area.
Troops have since launched search and rescue operations, with intensified patrols aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and securing the safe release of the victim.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies.
Troops Respond to Kidnap Incident in Plateau, Launch Rescue Operation
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