Army Graduates 589 Battle-Ready Troops for Deployment to Northeast Region
The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, has graduated 589 soldiers following the successful completion of Pre-Deployment Training Batch One, ahead of their deployment to the Joint Task Force North East under OPERATION HADIN KAI.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday at the Kontagora Military Cantonment Parade Ground, was presided over by the Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Major General A.G.L. Haruna.
The troops, who reported to the Centre on January 12, 2026, underwent a rigorous four-week, mission-specific Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency training designed to prepare them for contemporary security operations in the North East theatre.
Addressing the troops, Major General Haruna disclosed that the personnel were generated under Phase One of the Nigerian Army Rotation Plan 2026. He explained that the training was conducted both day and night to simulate real operational environments and enhance combat readiness.
According to him, the training covered a wide range of critical military skills, including physical fitness conditioning, close-quarter marksmanship, obstacle crossing, convoy drills, counter-ambush operations, house clearance, patrol techniques and tactical medical evacuation. Other areas included ground sign awareness, counter–improvised explosive device (IED) operations, mountain warfare, base camp security, communication drills and hostage rescue operations.
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The NATRAC Commander noted that the training was deliberately designed to reflect battlefield realism in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Major General Haruna expressed confidence that the exposure to new tactics, techniques and procedures had adequately prepared the troops for their forthcoming operational tasks.
“The training you have undergone has equipped you with the requisite skills to confront contemporary security threats wherever you may be deployed,” he said, urging the soldiers to continually apply the lessons learned and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
He charged the graduating troops to demonstrate courage, resilience and gallantry in the face of adversaries, and to remain united in their resolve to defend the sovereignty and security of Nigeria.
The Commander commended the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Centre, while also appreciating the officers and instructors for their dedication and commitment throughout the training period.
Highlights of the ceremony included unarmed combat displays and a tug-of-war competition by the trainees, which drew cheers from attendees. The event concluded with group photographs to mark the successful completion of the training.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, instructors, and other stakeholders.
By PRNigeria
