The Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) 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.
A statement signed by Major George Okupe,Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery said the former Commander, NACA and one time Commander Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army, Major General Lawrence Jokotola (retired), made the call during the Vulcan Study Period 2026 as part of the events for the Vulcan Training Period 2026.
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The Study Period forms part of NACA annual Field Training Exercise. Exercise VULCAN GLOW XII is also a key component of the ongoing Training Period activities at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna State with the theme: “Optimising Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Capacity and Capability for Decisive Joint Fire Support in Joint and Multi-Domain Operations”.
Major General LO Jokotola retired stated that the annual Study Period provided an opportunity for personnel to enhance their professional knowledge and skills ahead of the practical phase of Exercise Vulcan Glow XII.
He urged the Corps to embrace emerging technologies and develop indigenous solutions, stressing that self-reliance in research, repair, maintenance, and manufacturing was critical to operational effectiveness.
He commended NACA for its contributions to ongoing operations and pledged the continued support of retired Gunner officers and other veterans towards strengthening the Corps.
He also urged serving personnel to remain loyal, professional and committed to their duties, charging them to “keep the shells flying” before declaring the Study Period open.
Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Artillery (the Chief Vulcan), Major General John Oluwasegun Adeyemo, reiterated that the Study Period is forum for personnel to share experiences, identify gaps in capacity and capability building efforts to enhance professional competence and specialist proficiency of NACA.
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He disclosed that Exercise VULCAN GLOW XII would focus on training / practising the Corps formations on the Nigerian Army Super Camp concept and the Integrated Fire Support Cell for improved coordination of fire-support assets.
The Chief Vulcan further disclosed that NACA is collaborating with other relevant Corps of the Nigerian Army, technical elements of military establishments and government agencies, as well as indigenous technical partners, to improve artillery platforms and equipment.
He cited successful retrofitting and upgrading of some artillery platforms, notably the audio- visual communication system for the driver and gunner compartments as well as the enhanced protection for the driver’s cabin of the SHILKA to improve battle survivability and operational efficiency.
The Chief Vulcan appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), for his strategic guidance and support towards modernising and the focused stride towards modernising/upgrading the NACA platforms and equipment as well as procurement, to better the capability of the Corps.
He then urged younger NACA personnel to learn from the experiences of retired senior officers and veterans while sustaining professionalism, promoting innovation and improving commitment to the Corps.
The Study Period featured a presentation titled “Enhancing NACA Resources for Efficient Joint Fire Support in Joint and Multi-Domain Operations: The Milestones and Prospects,” delivered by a former Chief Vulcan, Major General Boniface Sinjen (retired) and interactive panel discussion.
During the sum up session for the lecture, the Chief Vulcan appreciated one and all that the primary objective of the theme and the key lecture to enable a recall of the past to objectively assess the present towards visualising the future for a realistic road map for a pragmatic capacity and capability building framework for NACA, was achieved.
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He equally declared that the future of NACA is Digital Artillery Vehicle. In this regard, the Chief Vulcan mentioned the milestone accomplished by the indigenous digital tool innovated for auto generation, computation, modification, banking and analysis of targets / firing data and effects for reduced response time and quick engagement for enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness of NACA assets in any situation and environment.
He also informed all of the scheduled maiden Vulcan Awards Night to acknowledge and recognise the individuals who significantly contributed to the professional standing of the Corps during the Year. Other activities of the Study Period include presentation of souvenirs and other engagements.
