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 during the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, where he underscored the importance of combat excellence, discipline, adaptability and teamwork in modern warfare.
Describing Exercise Restore Hope as a key pillar of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, the COAS said the programme is designed to build a professional, resilient and mission-oriented force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
He noted that the advanced infantry training had enhanced the troops’ marksmanship, physical endurance, combat medical proficiency and mental resilience, equipping them for sustained, high-tempo operations across diverse operational environments.
The Army Chief stressed that operational success must be anchored on professionalism, respect for human rights and accountability, adding that ethical conduct remains essential to 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 have continued to distinguish themselves in various theatres of operation nationwide.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General VU Okoro, described Exercise Restore Hope now in its ninth series as one of the Nigerian Army’s most critical post-basic training platforms for sharpening combat skills, building resilience and preparing soldiers for contemporary operational realities.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the COAS formally declared Exercise Restore Hope IX 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.
