Training: Key element of physical component of fighting power-Maj.Gen Abubakar 

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has affirmed that training was the key element of the physical component of fighting power to troops in combat operations. He made the affirmation today 25 September 2023 at the combined graduation ceremony of the Engineer Basic Course(EBC) 5 and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Course 1 of 2023 at the 43 Engineers Brigade Sappers Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

General Abubakar said “….for enhanced proficiency of troops in the field, training must be continual in the form of courses and exercises aimed at ensuring career progression”. He revealed that the Division has conducted series of training towards boosting the physical and mental capacity of troops in line with the Division’s training directive towards achieving operational successes.

The GOC/Comd OPSH noted that the change in the threat matrix within the Division’s Area of Responsibility necessitated the need for robust training hence the introduction of EOD course as counter measures which are significant to achieving operational successes.

While expressing gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff(COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, for his undaunted, continuous support and strategic leadership to the Division, towards enhanced training which has yielded positive strides, the GOC/Commander OPSH expressed optimism that the skills acquired by the students will be put to good use in various combat engineer roles. The training he noted will serve as force multiplier to engineer troops whose roles are increasingly becoming imperative in several theatre of operations.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Commander, 43 Engineer Brigade, Colonel SM Iliya, revealed that the School has fulfilled its mission of promoting knowledge and innovation through realistic, rigorous training and researches. Colonel Iliya averred that the course curricula was designed to ensure the training of the troops was pragmatic and realistic.

He noted that the students were adequately instructed in both practical classes and outdoor exercises in line with the aims and objectives of the course. He expressed the commitment of the Training School to continuously engage in capacity development of Engineers for robust support to the Division in accomplishing set Missions.

Delivering the Course highlights, The Chief Instructor, 43 Engineer Brigade Training School, Lieutenant Colonel A Saidu, said the graduants were trained on fieldworks, demolition, mine warfare, watermanship and explosive ordnance disposal.

Highlight of the event were the presentation to the best graduating students, trees planting and group photograph with the graduants.