By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked the Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar, Cross River State, with strengthening its specialised training capacity to meet the demands of an expanding Nigerian Army and evolving security challenges across the country.
Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during an operational visit to the institution, where he assessed its capacity to train personnel for operations in challenging aquatic, riverine and littoral environments.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS stressed that the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand the Army’s formations, strengthen manpower and modernise its operational capabilities must be matched with corresponding investments in military training institutions.
He noted that the Amphibious Training School occupies a strategic position in developing the specialised skills required by troops to operate effectively across rivers, creeks, wetlands and coastal environments.
The Army Chief explained that amphibious warfare proficiency enhances troop mobility, operational flexibility and combat effectiveness, particularly in difficult terrains that terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements could exploit.
He added that the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment makes specialised military training indispensable for securing strategic waterways, protecting critical national infrastructure, disrupting criminal networks and supporting joint operations with sister Services and other security agencies.
During the visit, Shaibu was received by the Commandant of the school, Brigadier General Mathias Ibawa Amatso, who briefed him on the institution’s training programmes, facilities, achievements and challenges.
The COAS also interacted with instructors and trainees to assess the quality of training and the school’s contribution to developing specialised military competencies.
He commended the institution for its role in producing personnel equipped with the knowledge and operational skills required for amphibious operations, while emphasising that military training institutions must continually evolve to meet the demands of a growing and technologically advancing force.
Shaibu observed that facilities, instructional aids, training methodologies and manpower must be strengthened to ensure that the Army’s expansion translates into practical combat capabilities and improved operational readiness.
He consequently urged instructors to sustain high training standards and encouraged trainees to uphold discipline, resilience and professionalism.
The Army Chief assured the school of Army Headquarters’ commitment to supporting the upgrade of its infrastructure, training facilities and instructional aids to enhance its capacity to deliver quality specialised training.
He reiterated that developing highly skilled personnel remains central to building a responsive, resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
