From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has reiterated the need for a realistic and battle-focused training to effectively combat the security challenges within 6 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Gen. Abdusalam, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, made the call during the inauguration of Exercise SHINNING STAR IV at the 6 Division Training School, Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, 6 Division, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, the GOC, said that the concept of the Exercise is to provide a common platform for harmonized post-basic training to selected young soldiers, after their initial military training at Depot Nigerian Army. He further stared that the training is designed to improve soldiers’ knowledge and capability to effectively counter current security challenges in a complex operating environment such as within 6 Division AOR.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations., Major Danjuma Jonah, in a statement, said the GOC charged the soldiers to take advantage of the training opportunity provided to sharpen their skills to enable them to carry out assigned responsibilities professionally. This he said, is in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Command Philosophy which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.”
Earlier, in his address, the Acting Division Training Officer (DTO), Lt Col Abdullahi Manu stated that the training is aimed at enhancing the abilities of participants in weapon handling as well as acquainting them with team manoeuvre skills. He added that emphasis would be placed during the training on minor tactics, tactical drills and live firing. This, he said, would significantly improve their level of proficiency in the field.
The acting DTO implored the participants to maximize the opportunity offered by the training exercise to develop their individual and group abilities in carrying out assigned tasks. He emphasized that instructors are well prepared to ensure the objectives of the training are achieved.