By Augustine Ehikioya
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reiterated that training is the cornerstone of military professionalism.
He spoke during the graduation ceremony of Instructors’ Development Course Batch 3/2025 in liaison with the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) Instructors.
It was held at the Theatre Training School in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on August 15, 2025.
General Abdulsalam, according to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), stressed that providing personnel with the requisite training equips them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel in their duties and uphold the standards of their profession.
He emphasised that Headquarters OPHK places a high premium on continuous in-theatre training within its area of operations, hence the conception of the Instructors’ Development Course, aimed at drawing lessons learned from previous operations.
The Theatre Commander further noted that with the complex security challenges faced in the North East region, the contributions of the graduates will directly impact the operational success of JTF (NE) OPHK and the broader stability of the nation.
He urged the graduates to utilise the skills acquired in the course to counter emerging threats and ensure operational readiness of those they would train.
General Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Sector and Component Commanders for their steadfast support and to the British Military Advisory Training Team for organising the crucial course.
He added that BMATT’s dedication to enhancing OPHK’s counter-terrorism capabilities has had a profound impact, equipping troops with skills essential for mitigating terrorist threats.
He also appreciated the Theatre Training Officer for his consistent commitment, which he said was pivotal to the success of the course.
In his remarks, the UK Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier General Tom Harper, highlighted the significance of effective patrols, counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training, and effective medical drills taught during the training.
Brigadier Harper, who represented the leadership of BMATT, stated that support to OPHK remained a part of the overall BMATT Training template to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and assured of more of such support.
He thanked the Theatre Commander and the Theatre Training Officer for providing BMATT the opportunity to conduct the training and appreciated the British training team leader, Captain Charlie Bradbury, and his team for the six weeks of intensive training provided.
Earlier, the Theatre Training Officer, Brigadier General Julius Ogbobe, stated that the Instructors Development Course was a specialised training designed to equip experienced and potential military instructors with the necessary skills to train personnel effectively.
The graduation ceremony culminated with the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving students, as well as a group photograph.
