The army has completed the training of 60 newly recruited soldiers to boost the protection of oil installations and intensify the fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The troops, selected from the 89 Regular Recruit Intake, concluded the specialised programme less than two months after graduating from the Nigerian Army Depot, Abakiliki.
The training took place at the headquarters of the 3rd Battalion in Delta State.
The exercise was supervised by the Commander of the 63 Brigade, Morounfolu Shonibare, alongside the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Abdulaziz Haruna.
Representatives of other security agencies were also present to observe the programme.
During the seven-week course, the soldiers received instruction in crowd management, peace support operations, counter-terrorism tactics, and the protection of civilians and critical oil and gas assets.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Monday, Shonibare described the exercise as a vital step in shaping the recruits’ military careers.
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“This occasion is not merely a graduation ceremony but a proud affirmation of your readiness to uphold the values and responsibilities expected of you as soldiers of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
He explained that the training was designed to prepare the young soldiers for operational challenges, particularly internal security assignments and counter-insurgency operations within the oil-producing Niger Delta.
According to him, safeguarding the region is of national importance given its role as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy through oil production.
“The training you have acquired within the past seven weeks aligns with the chief of army staff’s command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he added.
Earlier, the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Haruna, stated that the curriculum focused on strengthening the soldiers’ capabilities in internal security duties, counter-insurgency strategies, weapons handling, and military discipline.
He emphasised the need to secure oil infrastructure and encouraged sustained cooperation with other security bodies and private security outfits, including Tantita Security Services Limited.
Haruna further urged the soldiers to live by the unit’s motto: “Ever Ready,” and to apply the skills acquired during the training in their future deployments.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism remain persistent challenges in the Niger Delta, where criminal groups frequently breach pipelines and engage in illegal refining activities, posing significant economic and environmental risks to the country.
