Army recruits and trains 3,000 soldiers on counter-terrorism

The Nigerian Army said yesterday, that 3,000 recruits will be undergoing training on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in four institutions in the country to further enhance their capability in the fight against terrorism.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru, who disclosed this, noted that the number was part of the 69 regular recruits intake who passed out of Nigerian Army Depot.

He said they were expected to be trained on house breaking and clearing, urban patrol, unarmed combat, skill at arms and humanitarian laws, among others.

Attahiru noted that in line with international best practice and transparency, the Army had reviewed its recruitment procedure to include pre-screening examination for soldiers’ recruitment.

He said: “The Army Headquarters has procured new marking machines to enhance the recruitment exercise.

“The machine will be put to use nationwide for the first time during the 70 Regular Recruitment Intake examinations on Saturday.”

He disclosed that the pre-screening exercise was aimed at selecting the best personnel for the Nigerian Army to enhance its man power  and combat efficiency.

“All candidates that have applied are advised to report to the examination centres in various states, including FCT.

“After the examination, the first 500 candidates that passed would be selected from each state, including the FCT for zonal screening from July at two centres in each geo-political zone”.

He said the ban on sale of NA stickers/banners/military accoutrements was still being enforced.

Attahiru said: “The attention of  headquarters has been drawn to an impostor who claimed to be one Major Yahaya Shinko (rtd).

“He has been parading himself as a retired Major and security expert in some international media and also discussing the ongoing state of emergency and military operations in North Eastern Nigeria.

“Please be informed that the officer was reduced to Second Lieutenant on disciplinary ground for ‘Absent Without Leave, AWOL,’ and subsequently retired from service in 1999 for service no longer required”.

“NA wishes to inform the general public to disregard his views and what he stands for and report such an impersonator to any military unit nationwide.”

Vanguard