By Bavoriat Clara
In a renewed push to strengthen operational readiness in the fight against insecurity, the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division Training School has graduated 87 soldiers of the 86 Regular Intake following the successful completion of Exercise Shining Star IX/26, with the troops set for immediate deployment to various theatres of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Yake Jingina, the graduation ceremony was held on Friday, 6 March 2026, at the Division Training School located at Dalet Barracks in Kawo, Kaduna State.
The ceremony marked the completion of an intensive eight-week specialized training programme designed to enhance the soldiers’ operational capabilities in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
In his welcome address, the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General Abdullahi Gwani, explained that the exercise was carefully designed to sharpen the soldiers’ physical fitness, improve their weapon-handling proficiency and strengthen their tactical awareness.
He commended the graduating soldiers for their dedication and resilience throughout the rigorous training period, noting that the exercise has equipped them with the skills required to effectively defend the nation’s territorial integrity.
Delivering the graduation address, the Special Guest of Honour, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, noted that the training which commenced on 12 January 2026 was a direct implementation of the Chief of Army Staff’s vision for enhanced operational readiness.
Major General Wase stated that the inclusion of advanced modules such as night navigation, battle inoculation and basic motorcycle operations was deliberate, explaining that the skills are critical in confronting evolving security threats within the Division’s area of responsibility. He also commended the soldiers for their impressive display of skills during the demonstrations, expressing confidence that the objectives of Exercise Shining Star IX/26 had been successfully achieved.
The comprehensive training curriculum also featured live firing exercises conducted during both day and night, watermanship, Improvised Explosive Device awareness training, and counter-insurgency operations aimed at preparing the troops for real-time operational environments.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating soldiers, the course leader, Private Henry Daniel, expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding, the Division Training Officer and the instructors for their commitment to the training. He described the exercise as both educative and rewarding, noting that the practical sessions provided them with a realistic preview of battlefield conditions and prepared them for deployment.
Highlights of the ceremony included tactical demonstrations such as a stripping and assembling competition of personal rifles and a counter-ambush display, after which certificates were presented to the graduating soldiers before the event concluded with a group photograph.
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