EXERCISE SHINING STAR 2026: NAWC PASSES OUT FEMALE PERSONNEL…As 384 Female Personnel Complete Military Training in Giri, Abuja

EXERCISE SHINING STAR 2026: NAWC PASSES OUT FEMALE PERSONNEL…As 384 Female Personnel Complete Military Training in Giri, Abuja

The Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, held the Passing-Out Ceremony for young female personnel of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, Abuja.

The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, was ably represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf. In his address, the SGOH commended the young female personnel for their dedication, resilience, discipline, and commitment throughout the exercise. He noted that the successful completion of the exercise marked an important milestone in their military careers and demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a highly professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.

The SGOH further encouraged the beneficiaries to sustain the spirit of teamwork, courage, loyalty, and professionalism instilled in them during the exercise. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the discharge of their military duties, while remaining steadfast in upholding the core values and traditions of the Nigerian Army. He also emphasised the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in addressing contemporary security challenges and subsequently declared Exercise closed.

In his welcome address, the Acting Commander NAWC, Colonel SM Ahmed, welcomed the SGOH and other distinguished guests to the ceremony. He highlighted the significance of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in enhancing the physical fitness, military competence, discipline, and operational readiness of the young female personnel. He also acknowledged the support and commitment of the relevant authorities, instructors and personnel whose contributions ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.

Highlights of the ceremony included demonstrations of obstacle crossing, young female personnel demonstrated their proficiency in the stripping and assembling of AK-47 rifles while blindfolded. These activities showcased the beneficiaries’ physical endurance, confidence, weapon-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.
A total of 384 young female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in Exercise SHINING STAR 2026, alongside 14 male personnel from Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training (HQ DAPT), and 70 male personnel from 167 Special Forces Battalion.

The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, as well as representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests. Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards by the Acting Commander, NAWC to eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise. This was followed by a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

NSIMA ESSIEN
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Nigerian Army Women Command, Giri Abuja
28 October 2026