The Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) has been urged to deepen indigenous research and technological development 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, NACA, and former Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, during the Vulcan Study Period 2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement issued by Maj. G.A. Okupe, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, on Thursday in Kaduna.
The Study Period is part of the Vulcan Training Period 2026 and a component of NACA’s annual field training exercise, Exercise Vulcan Glow XII.
The exercise has the theme: “Optimising Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Capacity and Capability for Decisive Joint Fire Support in Joint and Multi-Domain Operations.”
Jokotola said the annual Study Period provided an opportunity for personnel to improve their professional knowledge and skills ahead of the practical phase of the exercise.
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.
The retired general commended NACA for its contributions to ongoing military 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, Maj.-Gen. John Oluwasegun Adeyemo, said the Study Period provided a forum for personnel to share experiences, identify capability gaps and enhance professional competence and specialist proficiency.
Adeyemo said Exercise Vulcan Glow XII would focus on training and practising NACA formations on the Nigerian Army Super Camp concept and the Integrated Fire Support Cell for improved coordination of fire-support assets.
He disclosed that NACA was collaborating with relevant Army corps, technical elements of military establishments, government agencies and indigenous technical partners to improve artillery platforms and equipment.
The commander cited the successful retrofitting and upgrading of some artillery platforms, including an audio-visual communication system for the driver and gunner compartments, as well as enhanced protection for the driver’s cabin of the SHILKA.
According to him, the improvements were aimed at enhancing battle survivability, operational efficiency and the effectiveness of artillery platforms in diverse operational environments.
Adeyemo appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his strategic guidance and support towards modernising and upgrading NACA platforms and equipment, as well as procurement efforts to improve the Corps’ capabilities.
He urged younger personnel to learn from the experiences of retired senior officers and veterans while sustaining professionalism, promoting innovation and remaining committed to the development of 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 retired Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, a former Chief Vulcan.
It also featured an interactive panel discussion and other professional engagements.
During the summing-up session, Adeyemo said the objectives of the Study Period had been achieved, particularly the need to examine past experiences, assess the present and develop a realistic roadmap for future capacity and capability development.
He declared that “the future of NACA is Digital Artillery Vehicle,” highlighting the milestone achieved through an indigenous digital tool designed for the automatic generation, computation, modification, banking and analysis of targets, firing data and effects.
According to him, the innovation was expected to reduce response time and facilitate quicker engagement, thereby improving the operational efficiency and effectiveness of NACA assets.
Adeyemo also announced the maiden Vulcan Awards Night to recognise individuals who had significantly contributed to the professional development and standing of the Corps during the training.
