ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has graduated 384 female soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) after the successful completion of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in Giri, Abuja.
The passing-out ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 28, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu NAM, represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf.
According to a statement by Major Nsima Essien, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Command, the ceremony marked the completion of the training exercise aimed at strengthening the soldiers’ military competence, discipline and operational readiness.
The Special Guest of Honour commended the newly trained soldiers for their dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the exercise, describing its successful completion as an important milestone in their military careers, The PUNCH reports.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force, urging the soldiers to uphold the values of teamwork, courage, loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Army chief’s representative also stressed the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges before formally declaring the exercise closed.
Earlier, the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, Colonel S. M. Ahmed, welcomed the special guest and other dignitaries to the ceremony.
Ahmed said Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 was designed to enhance the female personnel’s physical fitness, military competence, discipline and operational readiness.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the military authorities, instructors and other personnel whose efforts ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.
Highlights of the ceremony included obstacle-crossing demonstrations and weapons-handling exercises, during which the female soldiers demonstrated their ability to strip and assemble AK-47 rifles while blindfolded.
The demonstrations showcased their physical endurance, confidence, weapons-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.
Ahmed disclosed that 384 female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in the exercise, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training, and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion.
Eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards presented by the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests.
Other activities included a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to improve personnel development, strengthen military competence and enhance operational readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
