Major Gen. Ajose Gives Exercise Shining Star Graduates Matching Order to Destroy Terrorist Enclaves
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation , FASAN YAMMA Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged graduates of the Exercise SHINING STAR and Sniper Training Cadre Course to use one bullet, one kill as the training is not for show or demonstration but to equip them with live saving skills essential in the discharge of their duties. The GOC gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of the one hundred and forty seven (147) soldiers who underwent 8 weeks rigorous training at the Division’s Training School.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba on Saturday, September 4, 2025
General Ajose in his address, commended the graduating soldiers for their outstanding performance stating that he was impressed by their dedication and skills acquired. He stated the culture of the Division was to train hard to fight easy. He underscored the critical importance of applying their training in real-life scenarios, reminding them that the Division does not accommodate failure but rather their mission is to neutralize threats effectively. He urged them to go back to their respective units to show their colleagues the new ways of fighting.He reminded the graduating soldiers that the Division has intensified its anti-banditry operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina States.
The GOC also issued a stern warning against drug abuse, substance misuse, and unprofessional conduct. He said though it is normal for every human to be afraid but that fear must be overcome without taking hard drugs as such behaviors undermine operational readiness.
Earlier, the Acting Division Training Officer (DTO), Lieutenant Colonel David Ezebuche, highlighted the rigorous nature of the training programme. He said the graduates were drawn from formations within the 8 Division Area of Responsibility which included 1 Brigade (Zamfara), 17 Brigade (Katsina), and 8 Division Garrison (Sokoto). He posited that the graduants underwent intensive field exercises, endurance challenges, and live-fire drills. He stated that the training was designed to simulate real combat conditions, fostering teamwork, command, and control essential elements for survival on the battlefield
The graduation ceremony which was preceded by a camp fire the night before, was attended by formation commanders,principal staff officers, officers, soldiers and the barracks community featured field demonstrations, the presentation of certificates, and awards for outstanding performance. Group photographs marked the culmination of the event, celebrating the soldiers’ hard-earned achievements and their readiness to contribute to the Division’s mission.
