The Nigerian Army has officially graduated 589 soldiers following the successful completion of a rigorous four‑week pre‑deployment training programme at the Kontagora Military Cantonment Parade Ground in Niger State. The training, which began on 12 January 2026, culminated in a formal ceremony on 6 February 2026, marking the soldiers’ readiness for frontline duties with the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation Hadin Kai.
The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) stated that the programme was mission-specific, focusing on counter‑terrorism and counter‑insurgency operations to prepare the troops for challenges in Nigeria’s northeast. The soldiers underwent intensive drills in physical fitness, close‑quarters marksmanship, obstacle crossing, convoy and counter‑ambush operations, house clearance techniques, patrol procedures, tactical medical evacuation, ground sign awareness, and counter‑IED (Improvised Explosive Device) training.
In his address at the graduation ceremony, Major General A. Haruna, Commander of NATRAC, emphasised that the graduating soldiers represent Phase One of the Nigerian Army Rotation Plan for 2026. He noted that the training was structured to be practical and mission-oriented, ensuring that the troops would be fully prepared for active deployment once they join Operation Hadin Kai.
Major General Haruna highlighted that the programme aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency security environments. He urged the soldiers to uphold the standards learned during training, demonstrating courage and resilience in the field.
The graduation ceremony featured unarmed combat demonstrations and a tug-of-war competition, after which the newly-trained soldiers and officials posed for photographs.
Operation Hadin Kai is Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and allied armed groups in the northeast and the wider Lake Chad Basin. The operation, which evolved from the earlier Operation Lafiya Dole, focuses on unified action among military and security agencies to degrade insurgent capabilities and restore security in affected communities.
The deployment of these 589 soldiers comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhance regional security, protect civilians, and stabilise communities affected by insurgency, ensuring that Nigeria continues to maintain operational readiness in its fight against violent extremist groups.
