By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
The Nigerian Army has revised its recruit training curriculum to better prepare newly enlisted soldiers for counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and other emerging security challenges confronting the country.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, disclosed this on Thursday during the Beating of Retreat and Award Ceremony for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Olatoye said the curriculum review was undertaken to align military training with the evolving security realities across Nigeria, ensuring that recruits acquire the skills and competencies required for contemporary military operations.
According to him, the updated programme places greater emphasis on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, equipping recruits with the knowledge and capabilities needed to confront terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“I am delighted to note that your training curriculum was reviewed to reflect the current security realities facing our country. As a result, greater emphasis was placed on counterterrorism operations,” he said.
The NDA commandant noted that the revised curriculum reflects current operational demands and provides recruits with the foundational knowledge, discipline and professional skills necessary for modern military engagements.
He expressed confidence that the graduates of the programme would contribute significantly to ongoing military operations across the country, having undergone training tailored to present-day battlefield requirements.
Olatoye also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness through continuous improvements in training doctrine, instructional methods and combat readiness.
He commended the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Ahmadu-Bello Mohammed, as well as instructors and support staff, for the successful implementation of the revised training programme.
According to him, the drills and demonstrations displayed during the ceremony underscored the effectiveness of the training and the preparedness of the recruits for future operational assignments.
Earlier, Mohammed said the ceremony marked the completion of training activities for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake and provided an opportunity to honour outstanding recruits and companies that excelled in military training, sports and other competitive exercises.
He explained that the awards were intended to recognise diligence, excellence and commitment among recruits, while also rewarding high-performing training companies.
Mohammed revealed that the recruits commenced training on Jan. 21 and are scheduled to participate in their Passing-Out Parade on June 20 after successfully completing the prescribed training programme.
He disclosed that 6,001 recruits were admitted into the programme, while 5,876 successfully completed the training and qualified for graduation.
The commandant noted that the exercise placed considerable demands on the institution’s human and material resources, reflecting the scale of effort required to prepare personnel for military service.
He further commended instructors, support staff and other stakeholders for their dedication and contributions to the successful conduct of the training programme.
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