The Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), in its resolve to have a hitch free Exercise MUGUN BUGU IV, held its final coordinating conference today Tuesday 11 November 2025 at the Forward Operating Base, Faskari in Katsina State.
In his opening remarks, the Commander NATRAC Major General Abubakar Haruna who also doubles as the Exercise Director, welcomed all the participating school Commandants, Observers and Umpires to the Concentration Area.
He stated that the purpose of the Exercise was to assess the level of training by various schools and how it has impacted on the students. He urged all Commandants, Observers and Umpires to closely monitor the students during the exercise.
He observed that though the Exercise is not scored, all schools should strive hard to attain the objectives of the Exercise. Major General Haruna thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support to NATRAC and for providing the resources for Exercise MUGUN BUGU IV.
He also expressed NATRAC’s appreciation to the General Officers Commanding 1 and 8 Divisions as well as their staffs especially the host, Commander 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola for providing the enabling environment and support necessary for the successful hosting of the Exercise.
This was contained in a statement signed by Major Godfrey Anebi Abakpa Assistant Director Army Public Relations Nigerian issued to newsmen.
Major General Haruna equally charged Observers and Umpires to maintain daily observation notes for the Exercise which will subsequently form part of the final report on the general conduct.
He further charged them to ensure a high level of discipline among the participants to ensure successful outing during the Exercise. He admonished everyone to be security conscious, noting that the general area of the Exercise is volatile.
Additionally, he warned that participants must avoid violating the Code of Conduct established for the Exercise, Laws of Armed Conflicts, International Humanitarian Laws as well as other relevant statutes in order not to be sanctioned.
He emphasized that cases of indiscipline must be reflected in the course reports of the defaulting student to serve as deterrence to others.
Participating troops were also enjoined to consider the exercise as a complete practical demonstration of the synergy, collaboration as well as cooperation of all the Nigerian Army Corps required to achieve a given objective that would reflect in a real operational situation.
The Exercise Director’s opening remarks were followed by briefs on the level of readiness of the troops and the serviceability state of equipment for the exercise.
This was to ensure that there were no gaps during the exercise. The participating schools for the Exercise MUGUN BUGU IV include Combat Arms, Combat Support and Combat Service Support arms among others.
In his closing remarks, the Exercise Director spelt out some essential tasks required of key stakeholders in the Exercise. Far reaching decisions were made during the conference and clear directives given to all participating schools.
Highlights of the conference was the interactive session, which brought some meaningful contributions from the representatives of the various school Commandants, Umpires and Observers. He encouraged everyone to ensure they put in their best towards a successful exercise.
