“Translate Training Into Victory”: COAS Tasks Restore Hope IX Graduates On Combat Excellence
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged officers and soldiers graduating from Exercise Restore Hope IX to convert their intensive training into operational victories as they deploy to various theatres to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge at the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony of Exercise Restore Hope IX, held on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State.
He stressed that combat excellence, discipline, adaptability and teamwork remain critical to success in modern warfare, noting that today’s security environment demands soldiers who are not only physically capable but mentally resilient and ethically grounded.
Describing Exercise Restore Hope as a key pillar of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, the COAS said the training programme was designed to produce a professional, resilient and mission-oriented force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
According to him, the advanced infantry training exposed the troops to enhanced marksmanship, physical endurance drills, combat medical skills and the mental toughness required for sustained, high-tempo operations.
The Army Chief further emphasised that battlefield success must be anchored on professionalism, respect for human rights and accountability, adding that ethical conduct is essential for sustaining public confidence and operational legitimacy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the instructors and training establishments for maintaining high standards, noting that graduates of previous editions of Exercise Restore Hope had continued to distinguish themselves across various operational theatres.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General V. U. Okoro, said Exercise Restore Hope, now in its ninth edition, remains one of the Nigerian Army’s most important post-basic training platforms for sharpening combat skills, building resilience and preparing soldiers for contemporary operational realities.
The COAS later declared Exercise Restore Hope IX formally closed, congratulated the graduating officers and soldiers, and approved the immediate promotion and decoration of seven soldiers who distinguished themselves as instructors during the exercise.
