Security
Nigerian Army Trains, Graduates 384 Female Soldiers in Abuja
Nigerian Army graduates 384 female soldiers in Abuja after Exercise SHINING STAR 2026, featuring weapons handling and specialised military drills
The Nigerian Army has graduated 384 female soldiers after they successfully completed Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 at Giri, Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen military readiness and improve personnel capabilities.
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The passing-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 28, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, was represented at the event by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf.
In his address, Yusuf commended the graduating soldiers for their discipline, dedication and commitment throughout the training exercise.
He encouraged them to sustain the values demonstrated during the programme and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the discharge of their military responsibilities.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was a series of practical military demonstrations, including obstacle-crossing exercises and weapons-handling drills.
The female soldiers also demonstrated their proficiency in handling firearms by dismantling and reassembling AK-47 rifles while blindfolded, showcasing their technical competence and familiarity with military equipment.
The exercise involved 384 female soldiers drawn from the 90 Regular Recruit Intake, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training, and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion.
Eight personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards from the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Senior military officers, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests attended the ceremony.
Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader efforts to improve the operational capabilities of its personnel, strengthen combat preparedness and enhance its capacity to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
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The graduation also highlights the contribution of female personnel to the military’s training and operational activities.
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The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving troops’ combat readiness and ability to operate in difficult terrain.
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The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, announced the deployment in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the training is intended to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness in challenging environments and strengthen the Army’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The training underscores the COAS’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments,” the statement said.
The statement said the deployment was initiated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to improve personnel development, realistic training and operational effectiveness.
It added that the programme aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises combat readiness and the development of a resilient, mission-ready force.
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, represented the Army chief at the departure ceremony.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria also witnessed the departure.
The Army said arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment.
The specialised training is expected to strengthen the soldiers’ ability to operate in forests, mountainous regions and other difficult environments where conventional military operations can pose additional challenges.
The initiative is also expected to reinforce defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.
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The Army said the deployment reflected its commitment to developing personnel capable of responding to security threats while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
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