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Army: We intensify anti-banditry operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina States.

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From Abdullahi .A Chakwa Gusau

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged graduates of the Exercise shining star and Sniper Training Cadre course to use one bullet, one kill.

Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose said, the training is not for show or demonstration but to equip the troops with live saving skills essential in the discharge of their duties.

The Maj. Gen. Ajose gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of the one hundred and forty seven (147) soldiers who underwent 8 weeks rigorous training at the Division’s Training School.

General Ajose also commended the graduating soldiers for their outstanding performance.

“I was impressed by your dedication and the skills you acquired and the culture of the Division was to train hard to fight easy. Gen. Ajose

He further underscored the critical importance of applying their training in real-live scenarios.

“Remember that our Division does not accommodate failure but rather your mission is to neutralize threats effectively. Gen. Ajose emphasized.

He also urged the graduating soldiers to step down the training skills to their respective units.

“Go back and show your colleagues new ways of fighting. Gen. Ajose directed.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said, the Division had intensified its anti-banditry operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina States.

The GOC also issued a stern warning against drug abuse, substance misuse, and unprofessional conduct.

“Even though it is normal for every human being to be afraid but that fear must be overcome without taking hard drugs, such behaviors undermine operational readiness. Gen. Ajose warned.

Earlier, the Acting Division Training Officer (DTO), Lieutenant Colonel David Ezebuche, highlighted the rigorous nature of the training programme.

“The graduates were drawn from formations within the 8 Division Area of Responsibility which includes 1 Brigade (Zamfara), 17 Brigade (Katsina), and 8 Division Garrison (Sokoto) and the graduates soldiers undergo intensive field exercises, endurance challenges, and live-fire drills. Lt. Col. David said.

The training was designed to simulate real combat conditions, fostering teamwork, command, and control essential elements for survival on the battlefield.

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