The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has commenced the tactical phase of Exercise Shinning Star. The exercise is for soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruits Intake. The Commander, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, declared it open on Monday. The venue was the Gen. O.A. Azazi Parade Ground in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory. The statement came from Lieutenant Odunola Olawuyi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.
The Guards Brigade is responsible for protecting the President and other VIPs. Its training exercises are routine. In 2020, the brigade conducted Exercise Crocodile Smile. In 2021, it ran Exercise Shinning Star. These exercises aim to sharpen combat skills. They also signal readiness to address security threats.
Onasanya charged the recruits to translate seven weeks of training into disciplined field execution. He said the exercise will sharpen combat effectiveness, tactical proficiency and battlefield coordination. He stressed cooperation among security agencies. “Contemporary security challenges require security agencies to work collectively,” he said. He urged troops to remain committed, disciplined and mentally alert. The exercise involved personnel of the Guards Brigade and other security agencies. It was hosted by Lieutenant-Colonel Dimeji Ajongbo, Commanding Officer of 176 Guards Battalion.
Winners: Recruits, who gain field training. The Army, which demonstrates readiness. Other security agencies, which build interoperability. Losers: No obvious losers. If the exercise is poorly executed, the Army’s image suffers. Taxpayers fund the training.
Bottom Line: Another exercise, another set of recruits. The test is whether they can protect Nigerians, not just parade grounds.