By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has commenced the tactical phase of Exercise Shinning Star for soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruits Intake.
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, declared the tactical phase of the exercise opened on Monday at the Gen. O.A. Azazi Parade Ground, Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory.
This is contained in a statement by Lt. Odunola Olawuyi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, on Monday in Abuja.
In his remarks, Onasanya charged the recruits to translate their seven weeks of training into disciplined and effective field execution.
He said the exercise was designed to consolidate the recruits’ military skills through realistic field training and enhance their preparedness for operational tasks.
The Commander said the exercise would sharpen combat effectiveness, tactical proficiency and battlefield coordination, particularly in joint and multi-agency environments.
He stressed the need for enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing and seamless coordination among participating security agencies.
According to him, contemporary security challenges require security agencies to work collectively and develop the interoperability needed to respond effectively to emerging threats.
Onasanya said the seven weeks of training undertaken by the recruits must culminate in disciplined execution during the tactical phase.
He urged the troops to remain committed, disciplined and mentally alert throughout the exercise, while making safety and professionalism paramount.
The Commander also charged them to demonstrate initiative, aggressiveness and precision while adhering strictly to established operational standards.
He described the exercise as an opportunity to build trust and mutual understanding among participating security agencies.
Onasanya expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for continued support and provision of resources for training and operational activities.
He also commended personnel of participating security agencies for their commitment to strengthening security and building a safer environment.
The exercise was hosted by the Commanding Officer, 176 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Dimeji Ajongbo, and involved personnel of the Guards Brigade and other security agencies.
The tactical phase formally marks the commencement of the recruits’ field training following their completion of the initial seven-week military training programme. (NAN)
