The Nigerian Army has trained 2, 904 soldiers on counter terrorism .I guess Jack Bawer is among them.

The Nigerian Army has trained 2, 904 soldiers on counter terrorism at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, Niger.

During the graduation ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said the six-week intensive training in basic counter terrorism course was to prepare the soldiers for the challenges ahead.

He said checking the current security challenges required competent soldiers in all aspects of internal security duties.

Ihejirika said it was imperative that the soldiers should use all the combat proficiency skills they acquired during the training.

``In doing so, you must always adhere strictly to the rules of engagement as part of the nation’s overall security architecture.

``You are in the public glare and your conduct must be professional and tailored towards addressing the security situation you may encounter.

``You must adhere to all the rules and regulations, avoid rumour mongering and show concern to situations around you,’’ he said.

Ihejirika reiterated that the welfare of troops remained a priority toward the attainment of his vision for the Nigerian Army.

He said the army had continued to sustain the efforts aimed at rehabilitating the barracks to provide comfortable accommodation for soldiers and their families.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Sylvester Audu, said the programme was designed to equip the soldiers with the required combat competences and leadership skills.

Audu said the training was designed to task them to the limit of their endurance, improve their knowledge and sharpen their combat techniques and confidence in handling threat situations.

``Your training has given you the required confidence to be capable of operating in all types of environment, under different threat scenarios,’’ he said.

In his remark, Brig.-Gen. Tijani Golau, the Director, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgencies, said the soldiers were trained in the areas of skill at arms, road-block checking, house-breaking and clearing, search procedures, among others .

He said the 2, 904 soldiers, comprising 1, 869 males and 225 females, started the training on Jan 4. (NAN)