The Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Major General Abubakar Garba Lawal Haruna, on Friday, 16 January 2026, inaugurated troops for the Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) Batch 1 at the Kontagora Military Cantonment Parade Ground.
The training is aimed at rotating overstayed troops serving under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI Theatre.
Speaking during the inauguration, Major General Haruna explained that the PDT, which is the first edition for the year 2026, is designed to prepare troops for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations through mission-specific training. He stated that the exercise would run for four weeks, from 12 January to 6 February 2026.
According to him, the training will focus on key aspects of special warfare, including battle drills, survival training, ground sign awareness, mountain warfare, convoy drills, marksmanship, base camp security and counter-ambush operations, among others.
The NATRAC Commander stressed that quality training remains the best form of welfare for troops, noting that the programme aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which seeks “to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
Major General Haruna assured the trainees that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free training, while warning that indiscipline would not be tolerated, as offenders would be appropriately sanctioned.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Centre, and urged the trainees to give their best and justify the confidence reposed in them.
He also charged staff and instructors to remain committed to achieving the objectives of the training. The inauguration ceremony was rounded off with three hearty cheers and group photographs.
