MINNA – The Nigeria Army has trained 142 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on counterterrorism and weapon handling.
The Commandant of the 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Brig. Gen. Abba Dikko, disclosed this during the Batch C passing out ceremony in Minna.
Dikko said the training involved practicals and theories for 129 personnel o f the NSCDC state command and 13 from the zonal command on weapon handling.
He said the lessons on counter terrorism and counter insurgency were added to the curriculum to get the participants better equipped for contemporary security challenges.
He added that the trainees went through courses on counter terrorism and counter insurgency,as well as weapon handling leading to range classification, minor infantry tactics and fitness.
“The training commenced with a directive from the army headquarters to train NSCDC personnel nationwide on the same subject.
“The participants exhibited sustained interest and good character which enhance the smooth conduct of the course,” he said.
The Course Officer, Cpt. Labiwa Madugu, said that the participants were trained on various kinds of weapons, adding that practicals were conducted at the cantonment firing range.
Madugu said physical fitness, obstacle crossing, route march, 3.2-kilometre race and beam work were also included.
“They were also trained on special counter terrorism raid operations, cordon and search, body guard duties and VIP protection.
“The training cut across practicals and theories and the general performance score of the training was put at 60 per cent,” he added.
Similarly, Alhaji Saidu Rabe, the NSCDC Zonal Commander, who was represented by the Niger Commander, Mr Micheal Ochugwo, called on the trainees to use what they learnt to improve the services.
Rabe said the training was the third phase of its kind, adding that another training would commence in January 2015.
