The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) has successfully graduated 589 soldiers after a rigorous four-week pre-deployment training programme at the Kontagora Military Cantonment Parade Ground.
The troops, who reported to the centre on January 12 2026, underwent mission-specific training focused on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency.
According to a post by the Major Assistant Director Army Public Relations Nigerian Army Training Centre, Godfrey Abakpa on the Nigerian Army’s handle on Friday, the training was designed to prepare them for deployment to the Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation Hadin Kai Theatre.
In his address at the graduation ceremony, Major General A. Haruna, Commander of NATRAC, revealed that the troops represent Phase One of the Nigerian Army Rotation Plan 2026.
He stated that the training, conducted both day and night, covered essential combat and operational skills, including: physical fitness and endurance, close quarter marksmanship, obstacle crossing, convoy drills, counter ambush drills, house clearance operations, patrol techniques, yactical medical evacuation, ground sign awareness, counter Improvised Explosive, Devices (IED) training and many more.
Haruna emphasized that the training was designed to be realistic and mission-oriented, ensuring that the troops are well-equipped to confront contemporary security threats.
He explained that the training aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional duties within a joint and multi-agency framework.
“The training reflected realism to enable trainees combat contemporary security threats in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff which is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” he said.
The commander expressed confidence that the soldiers have been exposed to new tactics, techniques, and procedures that will prepare them for their deployment.
He urged them to maintain the standards learned during training and to demonstrate courage and resilience when confronting adversaries.
Haruna also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, and he commended the officers and instructors for their dedication throughout the training.
The graduation ceremony concluded with an unarmed combat display and a tug-of-war competition, followed by group photographs, bringing the event to a close.
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