Army graduates 87 soldiers for deployment to Operation FANSAN YAMMA

The Nigerian Army has graduated 87 newly trained soldiers for deployment to various theatres of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, saying the move is intended to strengthen ongoing security operations. The soldiers, members of the 90 Regular Intake, completed Exercise Shining Star X/26 at the 1 Division Training School, Dalet Barracks, Kawo, Kaduna. The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, according to a post on the Army’s X account.

Brigadier General TM Opurum, representing the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, said the training had been approved by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. He said the eight-week programme was designed to improve operational readiness, resilience, teamwork and professionalism. It included field operations, live-fire drills, battle inoculation, land navigation, watermanship, tactical motorcycle operations and awareness of improvised explosive devices.

The exercises also tested the soldiers’ endurance, alertness and cohesion through simulated combat fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation, the Army said. Opurum urged the graduates to apply their training, maintain discipline and loyalty, and follow the Army’s code of conduct and rules of engagement. Lieutenant Colonel Pharouk Mohammed said the trainees had also undergone tactical, weapon-handling and counter-terrorism instruction.

The ceremony included tactical demonstrations, a rifle stripping and assembly competition and a counter-ambush display. Certificates were presented to the graduates at the conclusion of the event.