COAS to graduating troops: Translate training into operational victory
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked officers and soldiers graduating from Exercise Restore Hope IX to translate their intensive training into operational victory as they deploy across various theatres of operation.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Directo, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Friday in Abuja.
The COAS urged the troops to translate their intensive training into decisive operational effectiveness.
He said modern warfare demands discipline, adaptability and teamwork, noting that the Restore Hope training platform remains a critical component of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda.
According to him, the programme is designed to produce a professional, resilient and mission-oriented force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
“The advanced infantry training has equipped yo with enhanced marksmanship, physical endurance, combat medical skills and the mental resilience required for sustained operations.
“Operational success must be guided by respect for human rights, professionalism and accountability. These values are essential to sustaining public confidence and support,” he said.
Shaibu commended the instructors and training establishments for maintaining high standards, noting that graduates of previous editions of Exercise Restore Hope had continued to distinguish themselves across various theatres of operation.
He assured the troops of firm leadership and sustained support from Army Headquarters, while charging commanders at all levels to demonstrate confidence, responsibility and commitment in the leadership, care and employment of their personnel.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, said Exercise Restore Hope had evolved into one of the Nigerian army’s most critical post-basic training platforms for building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force.
Okoro said the programme, now in its 9th series, was designed to sharpen combat skills, instill resilience and prepare young soldiers for the realities of contemporary operations.
He said the graduating troops underwent intensive training in marksmanship, physical fitness, combat medical skills, direct action operations and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) drills, among others.
According to him, the rigorous exercise was structured to enhance teamwork, endurance and operational effectiveness under challenging and austere conditions.
Okoro disclosed that the COAS had approved the continuation of the exercise and directed the development of a reward and welfare framework to motivate outstanding graduates.
The COAS later declared Exercise Restore Hope IX formally closed and congratulated the graduating officers and soldiers on the successful completion of the training.
In a morale-boosting gesture, Shaibu also approved the immediate promotion and decoration of seven soldiers who distinguished themselves as instructors during the exercise.
