By Olayemi Esan
In a rare and immersive initiative, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, has provided select participants of Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025 — including members of the press and representatives from various agencies — with firsthand experience of a soldier's daily life. The program, aptly tagged “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” concluded on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, with participants leaving with a deeper appreciation of the discipline, resilience, and sacrifice that define military service.
According to the College Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, the regimental package was designed to foster stronger ties between the military and civilian stakeholders. It provided participants with practical exposure to the operational and administrative realities of the Nigerian Armed Forces while strengthening mutual understanding and collaboration.
“This program is part of Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025’s broader objective of building a whole-of-society approach to tackling national security issues. It allows non-military stakeholders to see, feel, and experience the challenges and routines of our personnel, creating a stronger foundation for cooperation,” Lt Col Olukoya explained.
Participants were given military kits and guided through the structured, rigorous routines typical of a soldier’s day. Activities included:
Morning Physical Training (PT): Participants endured intense PT drills, learning the importance of physical fitness in military readiness.
Muster Parade: A traditional roll-call and inspection, emphasizing discipline and coordination.
Mountain Climbing Drills: Simulating challenging terrain navigation essential for combat readiness.
AK-47 Rifle Safety Drill: Hands-on experience in weapon safety and handling.
Live Firing Sessions: Giving participants the rare opportunity to experience the precision and focus required in live combat scenarios.
Crowd Dispersal Techniques: Highlighting military roles in civil support and crisis management.
Guard Mounting Ceremonies: Demonstrating security protocols and regimental traditions.
Tour of Training Areas: Offering insight into the infrastructure supporting troop readiness
These experiences were complemented by lessons on military customs, traditions, justice systems, and administration, helping to break down misconceptions about the armed forces while fostering respect and trust.
The exercise is more than a simulation — it is a strategic tool for problem-solving. Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025 aims to create a collaborative platform where the military, government agencies, civil society, and the media come together to brainstorm and design frameworks that address Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
The inclusion of stakeholders from ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as civil society organizations, reflects the exercise’s core philosophy: security is a shared responsibility. By involving the press, the program also seeks to ensure accurate, balanced reporting on military operations and foster public understanding of the armed forces’ roles beyond combat.
Exercise HASKE BIYU has, over the years, served as a laboratory for developing strategies to combat insurgency, banditry, and other internal security threats. This year’s edition focuses on deepening collaboration between military and non-military actors to enhance counter-insurgency operations and promote lasting peace across the nation.
Participants described the experience as eye-opening and transformative, with many acknowledging a newfound respect for the discipline and commitment required of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The successful conclusion of “A Day in the Life of a Soldier” marks a significant step in bridging the gap between Nigeria’s military and civilian stakeholders. By fostering mutual understanding and promoting collective action, Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025 underscores the importance of unity and shared responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s security and stability.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, initiatives like these highlight the critical role of collaboration, empathy, and innovation in building a safer and stronger future.
