In a strategic move to enhance combat efficiency and operational synergy across the armed forces, the Nigerian Army has officially commenced the Combat Arms Training Week 2025. The week-long exercise, flagged off at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) in Jaji, Kaduna State, brings together officers and personnel from key combat units for an intensive series of drills, tactical simulations, and leadership workshops.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who declared the event open, emphasized that the training is pivotal to preparing the Army for contemporary and emerging security threats. He noted that as the nation faces complex security challenges ranging from insurgency and banditry to emerging cyber and asymmetric warfare threats, it is imperative that the Army remains agile, battle-ready, and strategically coordinated.
“This Combat Arms Training Week is not merely a routine exercise; it is a deliberate investment in the future of our operational effectiveness. It is an opportunity to sharpen our skills, foster inter-unit collaboration, and ensure that the Nigerian Army remains a strong, adaptive force in the defence of our territorial integrity,” General Lagbaja said.
Participants from infantry, armour, artillery, and engineering corps are engaging in a series of field exercises, live-fire drills, counter-insurgency simulations, and leadership sessions focused on strategic planning and joint operations. Special attention is also being given to integrating emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surveillance systems, and modern battlefield communication tools into traditional combat training.
The Combat Arms Training Week 2025 is also serving as a platform for cross-fertilization of ideas and lessons learned from recent operational engagements, both within Nigeria and in multinational peacekeeping missions across Africa. Senior officers stressed that experience-sharing sessions are crucial to building a more cohesive and responsive fighting force.
Defence analysts have praised the initiative, pointing out that continuous training and capacity-building are central to achieving a professional military capable of countering evolving threats. According to a 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), militaries that regularly update their training doctrine to reflect new realities tend to perform significantly better in both internal security operations and conventional warfare.
In addition to the field activities, the week will feature seminars and exhibitions showcasing advancements in military equipment, strategy, and innovation, with participation from local defence contractors and international partners.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize national security and regional stability, initiatives like Combat Arms Training Week 2025 underline the Army’s commitment to excellence, modernization, and unwavering service to the nation.
