No fewer than 542 personnel are competing in the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The week-long championship would feature 109 officers and 433 soldiers at Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State.
The participants comprised personnel of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja; 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 8 Division Sokoto, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa, respectively.
The Chief of Army Staff, Luitenatet-General Taoreed Lagbaja, who kicked off the championship on Monday, described well-trained personnel as the bedrock of success in military operations.
Represented by Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army, Lagbaja said the championship was aimed at testing and enhancing the competencies of personnel in handling various small arms in the Nigerian Army inventory.
“It is not just a competition in marksmanship, but a holistic exercise that tests various aspects of military professionalism, discipline and the ability to respond effectively to a wide range of security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army has always placed a high premium on training and preparedness,” he said.
According to Lagbaja, competitions like this underscore the importance of operational proficiency, and military effectiveness which is the strategic focus of his command philosophy.
He said the skills demonstrated would ensure that the Nigerian Army remained a formidable force, capable of responding to the diverse threats confronting the nation.
He said: “The Nigerian army small arms championship is not just an exercise in shooting accuracy; it is an embodiment of the values and principles that define us as soldiers.
“As we continue to confront security threats ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and other forms of criminality, your proficiency in the use of small arms will play a decisive role in securing victory.
“Let this competition inspire you to be better soldiers, more determined in your resolve to protect our nation and more prepared to face any adversary”.
Lagbaja said that soldiers of the Nigerian Army were all united by a common purpose geared toward protecting the nation and the people.
The army chief pledged the loyalty of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Tinubu and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso said the championship was assessing and enhancing troops’ proficiency in handling small arms.
Saraso, who is also Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Fansan Yanma, stressed the need for soldiers to remain professional, focused and committed during the competition.
He lauded Lagbaja for his support to the competition.
