The Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Centre of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Tuesday graduated the 8th batch of personnel to tackle terrorism in the country.

The group, made up of 439 personnel were trained as Quick Response Group (QRG), and would take a leading role in checking the deadly activities of the extremist Boko Haram sect.

The Commandant of the Centre, Tijjani Golau, said they were trained on the identification of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) cordon and search techniques; and search and arrest procedures for suspects.

They were also trained in information and intelligence gathering techniques; rescue operations; patrol and raids; as well as fighting in built-up areas.

“On the whole, the graduating participants are eminently qualified and could be deployed to carry out counter terrorism and counter insurgency tasks in any part of the country,” he said.

Mr. Golau said the participants had acquired requisite skills to enhance their performance in assigned tasks.

“Their training was very compact and intensive for three weeks and graduands have met the mandatory requirements as members of the Quick Response Group in the Nigerian Army.

“They are therefore, qualified to carry out quick reaction tasks as may be required by their respective units and formations,” the commandant said.

He said the participants were the 8th batch in the series of the counter terrorism training by the centre, adding that more than 3,000 policemen in addition to the ones from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had been trained.

The Commandant urged the graduands to practise what they acquired during the training in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

In his remarks, the guest speaker, Kenneth Osuji, commended the directors of the programme for delivering a comprehensive programme for the training.

Mr. Osuji, who is the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, urged the participants to exhibit high professional behaviours

He warned them against demanding gratification from motorists at roadblocks and urged them to be efficient at their duty posts.

“The best welfare for the soldier is training and training and training,” Mr. Osuji said.

He said the Army had provided the participants with adequate tools and equipment for IED detection, eye classes for night view among others.

The participants demonstrated what they learnt during the three weeks to their guests before they were dismissed.