By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has tasked Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCOs) to ensure adequate training and provide quality leadership to soldiers in the fight against terrorism and other sundry crimes.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, gave the charge on Thursday during the closing of the Guards Brigade’s WOs and SNCOs’ Competition 2025 in Abuja.
Abai was represented by the Director of Transformation and Innovation, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sinyinah Nicodemus.
He commended the officers and soldiers for the outstanding display of leadership qualities, both in teamwork and dedication in what he called a “rigorous and rewarding competition”.
According to him, these qualities are essential in addressing the complex security challenges facing the nation.
“It is often said that training is the lifeblood of a professional army, particularly in peacetime.
“For the Nigerian army, continuous and realistic training is not just a necessity, it is an obligation.
“As we all know, our country is confronted with various security threats, from terrorism and insurgency to cybercrime and border security amongst others.
“These security challenges demand a robust and multi-faceted response which require nothing short of excellence from every soldier, especially from our WOs and SNCOs, who form the bridge between officers and Non-Commissioned Officers,” he said.
Abai said the competition had brought together talented individuals who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
According to him, the competition has tested their skills in weapon handling/marksmanship, map reading, 15km combat walk and drill.
“These are essential combat proficiencies that will serve you well in the ever-evolving operational environment,” he said.
The senior officer said the Guards Brigade had expanded its roles significantly beyond Presidential security and ceremonial duties to safeguarding the President, the First Family, and the seat of power.
He said that the senior soldiers now bear the crucial responsibility of applying their leadership skills in leading their men in securing the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
This he said demands a higher level of professionalism, adaptability, and combat readiness.
“In light of these evolving threats, you must endeavour to continue to train and re-train your subordinates, as mastery in warfare is never static.
“The unconventional nature of modern security challenges requires constant innovation and resilience.
“I urge you to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to excellence – for the battlefield favours only those who prepare relentlessly,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said that training was a systematic process of developing and enhancing the knowledge, skills and competencies of personnel to perform specific tasks and duties.
Onasanya said the goal was to equip personnel with necessary skills, knowledge, combat resilience, and attributes to perform their duties effectively and safely in a dynamic and often unpredictable environment.
He added that given the complexities of modern warfare, soldiers must perform optimally, underscoring the need for top-notch training.
“As training methods evolve, it is essential to develop fundamental soldiering qualities like improving decision making and problem solving as well as foster team work.
“Achieving the Nigerian Army’s training standards requires rigorous physical fitness and mental toughness training.
“This competition has not only been an excellent opportunity for the WOs and SNCOs to demonstrate their skills but has enabled them to display leadership skills and team work thereby truly showcasing the best of the WOs and SNCOs of Guards Brigade, and I am proud of their accomplishments,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Guards Brigade Garrison came first, 177 Guards Battalion came 2nd, while 7 Guards Battalion emerged 3rd.
The 176 Guards Battalion came 4th, while 102 Guards Battalion came 5th.
The competition began on Monday with weapon handling and shooting at the 177 Guards Battalion Range in Keffi while the remaining events took place in Abuja. (NAN)