New recruits in Nigerian Army to undergo special forces training

The Nigerian Army (NA), on Friday disclosed that new recruits and serving soldiers, will henceforth undergo the Special Forces Training, to promote personnel efficiency.

Stating this was the Director of the Directorate of Army Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve, Brigadier General Emmanuel Akpan.

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Akpan who was in Lagos on a sensitization and enlightenment campaign, for the year 2020 Nigerian Army recruitment, stated that the special forces training was included on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS),  Lieutenant – General Tukur Buratai.  

The Director who met with a cross section of youth leaders, community representatives and government officials, at Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos, noted that the training will ensure that personnel adapt and function effectively in any operating environment.

According to him the nationwide enlightenment which had held in the South-East, South-South, and now South-West, will also extend to other geopolitical zones, to acquaint people with the new recruitment requirement of NA.

Speaking during the meeting, Akpan said : “ What we are doing is part of a nationwide sensitization and enlightenment that is expected to cover the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. 

“ The enlightenment was directed by the COAS, Lt. – Gen. Tukur Buratai. It is aimed at updating our brothers and sisters on the current NA approach to recruitment and the training of personnel. This is also sequel to the directive of COAS, that special forces training should be integrated in all NA trainings. 

“ That means every personnel in NA, whether serving or those we intend to recruit into the system, must undergo special forces training.

The essence of the training is to ensure that personnel can adapt and function effectively in any operating environment. 
“ Be it hybrid, regular or unconventional  environment. 

The training will be rugged, highly demanding, hence personnel must not only be medically feat, but mentally robust. ”

“ Our coming to Lagos is also an opportunity to allay the fears of our brothers and sisters who want to join the army, that the army has evolved over the years, especially under the watch of the current COAS.

It is no longer a dumping ground for no-do-well in life. The COAS envisioned an army where every soldier will be able to think and fight, and fight and think.

“ Where soldiers will have that cognitive ability to think critically, and be very creative and rationalise situation wherever they find themselves,  without any supervision without any problem. It is also an opportunity to tell you that the COAS is very desirous of ensuring that every Nigerian, wherever you may come from, have the opportunity to enlist in NA under his watch. ”

While participants pointed out areas of concerns in the recruitment process to the Army, Akpan assured that the COAS will be intimated on the concerns. 

“ I must say  that the response has been very illuminating and very revealing, we have taken away some of your concerns, and we are going to convey them to the COAS for further necessary action, ” he said. 

In his remark, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo – Olu, called for unrelenting support for the Nigeria Army and indeed the military. 

Sanwo -Olu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (OSSG), Cabinet Office, Mrs. Kemi Durosinmi Etti, stressed that the military is not for the faint hearted,  but for the strong. 

He said: “ Serving in the military is a calling that demands a man’s blood, sweat, tears and life for our dear nation which is facing real security challenges at this time. The Armed Forces serve as the last line of defence between our nation and anarchy. We cannot thank our men and women serving in the NA enough for their great sacrifices. 

“ Just like any proactive organisation, the NA is always bringing out creative ways to serve the citizenry better, it is important for me to add that we cannot have a strong nation without a strong military.

The military needs our support as our brother and sisters, our sons and daughters,who are ready to defend our dear country. ” 

Akpan and his team also visited the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Victoria Island, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding, Major – General Olu Irefin. 

Irefin who was represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier – General Nsikak Edet, assured the Directorate of their support in ensuring that recruitment process in the state is conducted without blemish and only the best emerge.