8 Division Trains 17 Armoured Combat Vehicle Crewmen to Boost Counterterrorism Operations
The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army has graduated its pioneer batch of 17 Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) crewmen as part of efforts to enhance operational mobility and strengthen combat readiness for ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations in the North-West.
The graduation ceremony, held at the 8 Division Training School, marked a significant milestone in the Division’s drive to improve the tactical deployment of frontline troops through specialised training in the operation of armoured combat support vehicles.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, described the newly trained crewmen as a critical component of modern military operations.
He said the role of CSK crewmen extends beyond driving armoured vehicles, noting that their ability to manoeuvre combat platforms and position weapon systems effectively provides troops with a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield.
“Anybody can fire a gun, but effectively engaging the enemy requires a crewman who can position the gunner for maximum advantage,” the GOC said.
Major General Koughna stressed that personnel entrusted with sophisticated military platforms must possess the required technical competence and operational mindset, adding that continuous training remains essential to improving the effectiveness of troops in the field.
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He also underscored the importance of on-the-job training, noting that experienced personnel can transfer critical operational skills within their units, thereby sustaining capacity building beyond formal military institutions.
The GOC described specialised CSK training as indispensable to ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations in the North-West and charged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills professionally in support of military operations.
As an incentive, he announced a special monthly allowance for the graduates in recognition of their specialised qualifications.
Earlier, the Course Coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Edidion Okonnah, said the training programme was initiated by the GOC to improve the operational capabilities of frontline troops, enhance force protection, and guarantee sustained combat support across the 8 Division’s Area of Responsibility.
He explained that the 17 participants, drawn from various formations under the Division, underwent intensive theoretical and practical training covering military vehicle familiarisation, CSK components and capabilities, driving techniques, highway codes, vehicle inspection, tyre replacement, and combat vehicle recovery.
According to him, the course concluded with a practical driving exercise during which the trainees demonstrated proficiency in vehicle handling, tactical manoeuvring, and operational awareness.
The ceremony featured practical driving demonstrations by the graduating crewmen and a group photograph to commemorate the completion of the course.
By PRNigeria
