Army Intensifies Combat Readiness Through Competition

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to combat readiness, urging warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers to sustain intensive training to tackle evolving security threats.

The Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Mike Alechenu, gave the charge at the close of the Army Headquarters Garrison Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2026 in Abuja.

Alechenu said the five-day exercise tested participants in weapon handling, shooting, combat swimming, obstacle crossing, drill and endurance activities critical to battlefield success.

He said the competition reflected the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on realistic, mission-oriented training as a foundation for operational effectiveness.

According to him, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers play a vital role in translating operational plans into success at the tactical level.

He urged participants to sustain the training momentum and apply lessons learnt in strengthening operational performance across their units.

Earlier, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, said the competition was designed to enhance combat skills, leadership capacity and physical endurance.

Dangana said participants demonstrated professionalism, resilience and teamwork in activities directly linked to contemporary military operations.

He noted that physical fitness, marksmanship, navigation and mental toughness remained essential requirements for combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

According to him, the exercise has improved combat effectiveness while fostering esprit de corps and healthy rivalry among troops.

The Garrison Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. A.A. Adamu, commended the participants, organisers and instructors for ensuring a successful and credible competition.

He said the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to build a highly professional and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of meeting national security obligations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four teams competed in drill, map reading, 5km combat run, combat swimming, obstacle crossing, tug of war and weapon handling.

At the end of the competition, Delta team emerged overall winner with 650 points; Bravo Team came second with 620 points; while Alpha Team came third with 590 points and Charlie Team came fourth with 520 points. (NAN)