… As Maj. General Koughna Plans To Institutionalise Specialized Training within the Division
Military victories are not won by firepower alone. They are secured through the combination of strategy, leadership, technology and, above all, highly trained personnel. This reality was once again demonstrated by the 8 Division Nigerian Army with the graduation of its pioneer batch of 17 Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (CSK) Crew Men, a development that deserves attention beyond the military community.
At first glance, the graduation of 17 specialised drivers may appear routine. In reality, it represents a strategic investment in operational capability at a time when Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry and other violent threats, particularly across the North West.
Modern military operations demand more than courageous soldiers. They require personnel with specialised skills capable of operating increasingly sophisticated combat platforms under difficult battlefield conditions. Every armoured vehicle is only as effective as the trained crew operating it. Without competent crew men, expensive military assets cannot deliver their full operational value.
The initiative by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, reflects a forward-looking approach to military leadership. Rather than relying solely on the acquisition of equipment, the Division has recognised that continuous investment in human capacity remains one of the strongest pillars of combat effectiveness.
The GOC’s emphasis that “anybody can fire a gun, but effectively engaging the enemy requires a crew man who can position the gunner for maximum advantage” captures an important military principle. Superior tactics often outweigh superior firepower. Battlefield success depends on positioning, mobility, coordination and precision—qualities that only disciplined and well-trained personnel can consistently provide.
Equally commendable is the decision to institutionalise specialised training within the Division. Military organisations around the world increasingly rely on continuous in-house capacity building to complement formal military education. By encouraging experienced personnel to transfer knowledge through on-the-job training, the 8 Division is creating a sustainable system that strengthens institutional memory and operational competence.
The comprehensive curriculum undertaken by the pioneer crew men—from military vehicle systems and combat recovery to tactical driving and force protection—demonstrates that the programme extends far beyond learning to drive. It prepares soldiers to operate under combat conditions where quick decisions, technical expertise and teamwork often determine mission success and survival.
The introduction of a special monthly allowance for the newly qualified crew men is equally significant. Recognising specialised skills through appropriate incentives not only rewards professionalism but also motivates personnel to pursue excellence. Such measures contribute to higher morale, greater retention of skilled operators and a stronger culture of professionalism within the Armed Forces.
As Nigeria continues to modernise its military capabilities, equal attention must be given to developing the personnel who operate these assets. Sophisticated combat vehicles, surveillance systems and modern weapons will only achieve their intended purpose when matched with rigorous training and continuous professional development.
The graduation of these 17 pioneer CSK Crew Men should therefore be viewed not simply as the conclusion of a training course, but as a model for capability development across the Nigerian Army. It reinforces the principle that investment in people remains the most enduring investment any military organisation can make.
The security challenges confronting Nigeria remain complex and dynamic. Meeting them requires innovation, adaptability and a commitment to excellence at every level. Initiatives such as this demonstrate that the Nigerian Army is not only preparing for today’s battles but also building the professional capacity needed to confront tomorrow’s security threats.
Ultimately, operational readiness is measured not merely by the number of troops or equipment available, but by the competence of the men and women entrusted with defending the nation. In graduating its pioneer CSK Crew Men, the 8 Division Nigerian Army has taken another meaningful step towards building a more agile, resilient and mission-ready force capable of delivering lasting security for Nigeria.
By SpyeTV News
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