By Mohammed Tijjani
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described artillery firepower as a critical force multiplier for enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu stated this on Friday at the firepower demonstration of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery’s (NACA) Vulcan Training Period 2026, Exercise Vulcan Glow XII, at the Nigerian Army Training Area, Kachia, Kaduna State.
The COAS, represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, said effective artillery support, accurate fire delivery and integration with manoeuvre arms were essential to strengthening combat capabilities and sustaining battlefield dominance.
He said the exercise provided an opportunity to assess the proficiency of artillery personnel, the effectiveness of weapon systems and the responsiveness of fire support in military operations.
According to him, the exercise is also designed to identify capability gaps, refine training and guide decisions on the deployment and employment of artillery assets.
Shaibu said the demonstration aligns with operational readiness, a key pillar of his command philosophy, which emphasised maintaining a combat-ready, mission-capable and adaptable force through continuous mission-oriented training and doctrinal innovation.
He added that contemporary asymmetric threats, particularly across difficult and inaccessible terrain, required rapid response, accurate fire delivery and sustained operational capabilities.
The COAS said the reliability, serviceability and operational effectiveness of artillery weapon systems were crucial to the successful execution of assigned missions.
He expressed optimism that the exercise would improve personnel proficiency, strengthen fire support coordination, reduce operational deficiencies and enhance the readiness of artillery units.
Shaibu urged commanders, instructors and participating personnel to translate lessons learnt from the demonstration into practical improvements in artillery training and employment.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while appreciating the President’s strategic guidance and support for the Army.
The COAS commended the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery, and other personnel for facilitating the exercise.
Earlier, Adeyemo said the firepower demonstration was the major activity of the corps’ annual gunnery training period, designed to enhance its capacity for decisive joint fire support in joint and multi-domain operations.
He said the exercise was structured to practice the Nigerian Army’s super camp concept and establish an integrated fire support cell involving relevant formations and units.
According to him, the training also provides an opportunity to assess participating formations’ performance, while lessons learnt will guide efforts to improve artillery capabilities.
Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the COAS, the Commander, TRADOC, senior officers at Army Headquarters and other stakeholders for their support towards the professional development of the corps.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the artillery community to strengthening its professional standards and operational capabilities in support of the Nigerian Army’s mission.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise featured a practical demonstration of artillery firepower, marking the conclusion of the corps’ Vulcan Training Period 2026.
NAN also report that free medical service were offer to host community.
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