By Miriam Humbe
The 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA in a significant move to bolster mobility and operational readiness, has successfully graduated its pioneer batch of 17 Amoured Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) Crew Men.
Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
The graduation ceremony held at 8 Division Training School marked a pivotal milestone in the Division’s commitment to addressing modern security challenges.
By integrating highly skilled drivers with advanced combat vehicles, the Division aims to enhance the tactical maneuvering and safe conveyance of frontline troops.
Addressing the graduates, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, emphasized the critical role of CSK crew men in modern warfare.
He described the crew men as essential warriors, noting that their ability to strategically position gunners provides a force-multiplying tactical edge over the enemy.
He stated that “Anybody can fire a gun, but effectively engaging the enemy requires a crew man who can position the gunner for maximum advantage,
Major General Koughna stressed that troops must be thoroughly trained,both in skill and mindset,before being entrusted with high-value combat enablers.
The GOC highlighted the strategic value of on-the-job training. He pointed out that vital military skills can be effectively transferred within units by experienced personnel, ensuring continuous capacity building even outside formal training schools.
The GOC reaffirmed that specialized CSK training is no longer optional, but a critical necessity for the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the North West region.
He charged the graduates to effectively apply their skills in their respective units and announced a special monthly allowance as an incentive for their newly acquired expertise.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Course Coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Edidion Okonnah, outlines the rigorous nature of the driving course.
He explained that the training is a visionary initiative spearheaded by the GOC, designed to elevate the capabilities of frontline troops, enhance force protection and ensure uninterrupted support to formations across the 8 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The course coordinator noted that the 17 graduating student drawn from various formations within the Division, underwent intensive theoretical and practical instruction.
He said the comprehensive curriculum covered an introduction to military vehicles, CSK parts and capabilities, driving lessons 1-6, highway codes, vehicle inspection, tire changing, and combat recovery.
He noted that the intensive training culminated in a dynamic practical demonstration, where the graduating drivers showcased their newly acquired precision, vehicle control and tactical awareness.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony included a practical driving demonstration by the students and group photograph session.
