Nigerian Army Graduates 120 Specially Trained Personnel for Intervention Missions

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has graduated 120 personnel from a rigorous special Company Strength Training programme designed to prepare them for high-risk intervention missions. The graduation ceremony was held Saturday at the Division’s Shooting Range in Udi, near Enugu.

Major-General Oluyemi Olatoye, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force South-East (Operation UDO KA), commended the personnel for their resilience and dedication throughout the intensive eight-week training.

The training, he explained, is part of a broader initiative by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, and aligns with the COAS Command Philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated, combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties.

“This training strengthens the Army’s commitment to professionalism, leadership, and operational readiness across all theatres of operation,” said Maj-Gen. Olatoye. He urged the graduating soldiers to apply their new skills with discipline and excellence in future assignments.

Earlier, Brigadier-General MJ Abubakar, the Division Training Officer, praised the trainees for their exceptional endurance, teamwork, and fighting spirit. He highlighted that the training simulated real-world combat scenarios, with emphasis on jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and internal security tactics.

“These soldiers are now equipped with specialised capabilities to support strategic national security objectives and are scheduled for deployment to special intervention missions,” Brig-Gen. Abubakar stated.

The graduation ceremony included demonstrations in rifle stripping and reassembly, armed combat drills, and the formal presentation of certificates to the graduating personnel.

The event underscores the Nigerian Army’s continued investment in human capacity development to meet the complex security challenges facing the country.