By Chimezie Godfrey
The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army has graduated its first batch of 17 Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) crewmen as part of efforts to strengthen operational readiness and improve troop mobility in the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the North-West.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the graduation ceremony was held at the 8 Division Training School and marked a major milestone in the Division’s drive to enhance the operational capabilities of its frontline troops.
Osoba said the newly trained crewmen are expected to improve the tactical deployment of armoured combat vehicles and ensure the safe movement of troops during operations across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
Addressing the graduates, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, described CSK crewmen as critical assets in modern warfare.
He said while anyone could fire a weapon, effective battlefield engagement depended on skilled crewmen capable of positioning gunners for maximum tactical advantage.
> “Anybody can fire a gun, but effectively engaging the enemy requires a crewman who can position the gunner for maximum advantage,” the GOC said.
Major General Koughna stressed the importance of equipping personnel with the right skills and mindset before assigning them to operate high-value combat platforms.
He also underscored the value of on-the-job training, noting that experienced personnel within operational units could effectively transfer critical military skills to younger soldiers, thereby complementing formal military training institutions.
The GOC described specialised CSK training as indispensable to ongoing military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West, urging the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills professionally in their respective units.
He further announced a special monthly allowance for the graduates as an incentive for acquiring the specialised qualification.
Earlier, the Course Coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Edidion Okonnah, said the training programme was initiated by the GOC to strengthen frontline operations through improved mobility, enhanced force protection and sustained combat support.
According to him, the 17 participants, drawn from various formations under the 8 Division, underwent intensive theoretical and practical training covering military vehicle familiarisation, CSK components and capabilities, driving techniques, highway codes, vehicle inspection, tyre replacement procedures and combat recovery operations.
He added that the training concluded with a practical demonstration during which the graduates displayed their driving proficiency, vehicle control and tactical awareness.
The ceremony featured practical driving demonstrations by the graduating crewmen and a group photograph session.
8 Division graduates 17 pioneer armoured combat vehicle crewmen to boost operational readiness
