By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, has conducted a two-day field training exercise to boost troops’ proficiency in ambush and anti-ambush operations.
The exercise, tagged “Exercise Heavy Strike,” was held at the 176 Guards Battalion in Gwagwalada, and along the Rafin Zurfi–Ibua route in the Federal Capital Territory.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Guards Brigade, Lt. Odunola Olawuyi, on Wednesday in Abuja.
While opening the exercise, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said it was designed to sharpen troops’ combat readiness and tactical response to emerging security threats.
Onasanya said the training was in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s directive to prioritise continuous and realistic field training to enhance operational effectiveness.
He said the exercise underscored the commitment of the Guards Brigade to continuous training and professionalism to ensure effective security within the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.
“Training remains the backbone of the army’s efficiency. Exercises like this help to build the confidence, alertness and combat instincts needed for success in real operations,” he said.
He commended the Commanding Officer, 176 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Oladimeji Ajongbo, for organising the exercise and ensuring effective participation by officers and soldiers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise featured lectures on ambush and counter-ambush tactics, followed by field demonstrations of tactical deployment, engagement and immediate reaction drills.
Participants also took part in an interactive session to review lessons learned during the training.
The event ended with the presentation of souvenirs to instructors and representatives of the Army Headquarters in appreciation of their contributions to the success of the exercise. (NAN)
