By Mohammed Tijjani
The Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery has been urged to deepen indigenous research, technology and professional training to enhance its capacity for effective fire support in joint and multi-domain operations.
The call was made by retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Jokotola, a former Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, at the 2026 Vulcan Training Period/Exercise Vulcan Glow XII Study Period in Kachia, Kaduna State, on Tuesday.
The study period, with the theme, “Optimising Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Capacity and Capability for Decisive Joint Fire Support in Joint and Multi-Domain Operations,” was held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia.
Jokotola said the study period provided an opportunity for artillery personnel to sharpen their knowledge, expertise and professional skills ahead of the practical phase of Exercise Vulcan Glow XII, scheduled to culminate in an artillery firepower demonstration on Oct. 16.
He urged the corps to think beyond conventional approaches, stressing that emerging technologies and contemporary security challenges required new patterns of training, adaptation and operational preparedness.
According to him, the era of dependence is over, adding that the Nigerian Army must develop indigenous solutions if it must compete favourably as a professional army globally.
The general commended the corps for its effective fire support to military operations across the country, as well as its efforts in war repairs, research and development.
He said the corps’ initiatives toward indigenous armament solutions should be transformed into world-class repair, maintenance and manufacturing capabilities.
Jokotola also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its efforts toward transforming the force into a more professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient organisation capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
He urged the Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, to ensure the successful conduct of Exercise Vulcan Glow XII, saying regular training and equipment maintenance remained critical to operational effectiveness.
He pledged the continued support of former officers and men of the corps, describing the Nigerian Army Combat Artillery as “a family affair” in which serving and retired personnel must work together to strengthen its capabilities.
He also appreciated the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his leadership and support to the Nigerian Army.
Jokotola further urged serving personnel to remain loyal to constituted authority and committed to their duties, saying the welfare of personnel would continue to receive deserved attention.
“Do not rest on your laurels, but keep the shells flying,” he charged the artillery personnel before declaring the Vulcan Study Period 2026 open.
Earlier, Adeyemo said the study period was designed to provide a platform for personnel to share experiences, identify capability gaps and improve their understanding of professional and operational matters.
He said Exercise Vulcan Glow XII would provide practical training with emphasis on administrative and operational competencies, while strengthening the capacity and capability of the corps.
Adeyemo said the exercise would among other things practise the Nigerian Army’s Super Camp concept and the Integrated Fire Support Cell, designed to centralise and coordinate available fire-support assets during operations.
He said the initiative would further reinforce the traditional role of the Corps of Artillery as the focal point for coordinating fire support in diverse operational environments.
The commander disclosed that the corps was also strengthening research and development through partnerships with indigenous technical companies to improve artillery platforms and equipment.
Adeyemo cited modifications to the Shika artillery platform, including the development of a virtual communication system between the driver and gunner compartments and improved protection for the driver’s cabin.
He said the innovations were aimed at improving personnel survivability, operational efficiency and the effectiveness of artillery fire delivery.
The commander commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for providing strategic guidance and support toward the modernisation and expansion of artillery capabilities.
He said plans to operationalise additional formations, including brigades, garrisons and regiments, would further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to meet emerging operational demands.
Adeyemo also appreciated retired senior officers and veterans for their contributions to the development of the corps, urging younger personnel to take advantage of the study period to freely exchange ideas and learn from their experience.
He called for continued professionalism, innovation and commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian Army Combat Artillery.
“Think, do, what’s next, love and lead artillery armies,” Adeyemo said, while wishing the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country continued success.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
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