Army Moulding Soldiers of Character, Valour for Modern Warfare, says Depot Commandant
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army is deliberately shaping a new generation of soldiers distinguished not only by combat proficiency but also by courage, integrity, discipline and strength of character, as part of efforts to build a force capable of confronting the complex security challenges of the modern battlefield.
Commandant of the Nigerian Army Depot, Amasiri, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Ahmadu, stated this during an interview with defence correspondents at the depot’s temporary training location in Kaduna.
According to the Commandant, military training extends far beyond physical fitness and weapons handling, with significant emphasis placed on character formation, mental resilience, patriotism and professional ethics. He stressed that the evolving nature of warfare demands soldiers who are not only tactically skilled but also morally grounded and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
“If an individual comes into the military without the willingness to give his best, the issue is not integrity alone but character. Integrity is a reflection of character, and character remains the foundation upon which every professional soldier is built,” Ahmadu said.
He explained that instructors devote considerable attention to mindset development and value orientation, using psychological and motivational techniques to prepare recruits for the demands of military service. According to him, trainees are constantly reminded that soldiering is about selfless service, responsibility, discipline and commitment to the nation.
“We spend a lot of time developing the right mindset. Military service is not just about carrying weapons or engaging in combat. It is about discipline, responsibility, selflessness and commitment to national service. We want our recruits to understand that they are preparing to serve something greater than themselves,” he said.
The Commandant noted that core military values such as loyalty, courage, integrity and respect are reinforced throughout the training cycle through leadership engagements, daily routines and practical exercises designed to instill professionalism and accountability.
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He maintained that soldiers with strong character are more likely to remain steadfast in difficult situations, maintain discipline in the face of adversity and uphold the highest standards expected of members of the Armed Forces.
While underscoring the importance of character development, Ahmadu disclosed that the Army has simultaneously modernised its training curriculum to align with emerging security threats and operational realities. He said lessons from ongoing military operations are continually incorporated into recruit training programmes.
According to him, the depot has integrated modern warfare concepts, including drone operations, counter-drone tactics, enhanced combat drills and night operations, to better prepare recruits for contemporary battlefields.
“We continuously review our training programmes based on operational realities. Modern warfare is changing rapidly, and our training must reflect those changes. Today, recruits are exposed to modern operational concepts, including drone employment, counter-drone measures, night operations and other combat exercises that enhance battlefield effectiveness,” he said.
He added that field exercises and night manoeuvres have become critical aspects of military training as troops increasingly operate in complex and unpredictable environments. Recruits, he said, are also trained in battlefield safety procedures and personal security awareness to improve operational survivability.
Describing military training as a dynamic and evolving process, the Commandant said the Army constantly adapts its curriculum to address emerging threats and technological advancements.
Ahmadu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his sustained commitment to improving training standards through investments in infrastructure, capacity development and modern training resources.
He said the support has enabled the depot to maintain high standards while producing soldiers equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and operational competence required to meet Nigeria’s contemporary security demands.
Expressing confidence in the Army’s training model, the Commandant said the combination of character development, professional military education and modern combat instruction would continue to produce disciplined, mission-ready soldiers capable of safeguarding the nation.
“The Nigerian Army is committed to producing soldiers who are physically fit, mentally prepared, professionally competent and morally grounded. These are the qualities required to safeguard the nation and uphold the values of the Armed Forces,” he said.
