COAS Tasks Amphibious Training School on Specialised Training for Expanding Army

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar, Cross River State, to strengthen its specialised training programmes to meet the manpower and operational demands of the expanding Nigerian Army.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during an operational visit to the training institution, where he assessed its capacity to train personnel for military operations in aquatic, riverine and coastal environments.

The Army Chief, who was received by the Commandant of the school, Brigadier General Mathias Ibawa Amatso, was briefed on its training programmes, facilities, achievements and operational challenges.

He also interacted with instructors and trainees to assess the quality of training and the school's contribution to developing specialised military capabilities.

Shaibu commended the institution for its role in equipping troops with the skills required to operate across rivers, creeks, wetlands and coastal terrains, noting that amphibious warfare capabilities were essential to improving troop mobility, operational flexibility and combat effectiveness.

He said specialised training had become increasingly important given the complexity of Nigeria's security challenges, particularly in securing strategic waterways, protecting critical national infrastructure, disrupting criminal networks and supporting joint military operations.

The COAS noted that the Federal Government's efforts to expand Army formations, strengthen manpower and modernise military operations must be complemented by adequate investment in training institutions.

According to him, institutions such as the Amphibious Training School are critical to translating the Army's expansion and modernisation plans into practical operational capabilities.

He stressed the need for continuous improvement in training facilities, instructional equipment, teaching methods and manpower to meet the requirements of a growing and technologically advancing force.

The Army Chief urged instructors to maintain high professional standards while charging trainees to uphold discipline, resilience and professionalism.

He assured the school of Army Headquarters' commitment to upgrading its infrastructure, training facilities and instructional aids to enhance the quality of specialised military training.

Shaibu reaffirmed that developing highly skilled personnel remained central to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats.