By Gabriel Ameh
The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) has boosted its operational manpower with the graduation of 60 soldiers from the Fourth Quarter Basic Battle Course. The event marked the completion of an intensive nine-week training programme designed to sharpen combat readiness and entrench the core values of the soldier’s “warrior ethos.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Olaniyi Osoba, Lieutenant Colonel Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Nigerian Army on 11th December 2025
According to the statemet, while addressing the graduates, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 JTF (NW) OPFY, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, expressed profound satisfaction with the steady transformation of the Division’s Training School. He praised the improvements in instructional quality, infrastructure, and overall performance, noting that recent field reports show remarkable operational gains attributed to better-trained personnel.
Major General Ajose urged the graduating soldiers to maximize the value of their training and become positive influencers within their units. “Share your knowledge, particularly in weapon handling and live-arms drills. Let your discipline and conduct set the standard for others,” he charged.
Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Division Training Officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Ezebuche, highlighted that the nine-week course was deliberately structured not only to teach tactics, but to build mental resilience and inculcate key elements of the “warrior ethos” courage, discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
During the ceremony, the graduating soldiers showcased various combat drills and skills before formation commanders, senior officers, and invited guests. Top performers were also honoured for their excellence: Lance Corporal Abubakar Rabiu emerged as Best Graduating Student, followed by Sapper Popoola Ayomide and Private Edore Ogbenefejiro, who placed second and third respectively.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates, awards, and a group photograph.
