The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) has graduated 589 soldiers after a four-week pre-deployment training programme held at the Kontagora Military Cantonment Parade Ground.
The soldiers, who reported to the centre on January 12, 2026, underwent intensive mission-specific training focused on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations.
According to a post by the Major Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Godfrey Abakpa, on the Nigerian Army’s official handle on Friday, the exercise was aimed at preparing the troops for deployment to the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai Theatre.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Commander of NATRAC, Major General A. Haruna, said the troops constitute Phase One of the Nigerian Army Rotation Plan 2026.
Haruna explained that the training, conducted during both day and night, covered critical combat and operational skills such as physical fitness and endurance, close-quarter marksmanship, obstacle crossing, convoy drills, counter-ambush drills, house clearance operations, patrol techniques, tactical medical evacuation, ground sign awareness, and counter–Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) drills, among others.
He noted that the programme was designed to be realistic and mission-oriented in order to adequately prepare the soldiers for modern security challenges.
“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,” Haruna said.
The commander expressed confidence that the troops had been exposed to new tactics, techniques and procedures necessary for their upcoming deployment, urging them to uphold the standards acquired during the training and to show courage and resilience in the face of adversaries.
Haruna also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, for his consistent support and strategic guidance, while commending the officers and instructors for their commitment throughout the exercise.
The ceremony ended with an unarmed combat display and a tug-of-war competition, followed by group photographs to mark the conclusion of the event.
