The Nigerian Army has tasked Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCOs) on training, quality leadership in the fight against terrorism and other sundry crimes.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation Army, Maj. Gen Olusegun Samson Abai gave the charge on Thursday during the closing ceremony of Guards Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Competition competition.
Abai who was represented by the Director Transformation and Innovation Department at Army Headquarters Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus 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”
He said “These qualities are essential in addressing the complex security challenges facing our dear 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 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, who form the bridge between officers and Non-Commissioned Officers,”.
He noted that the competition has brought together talented individuals who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
He said “I am aware that this competition has tested your skills in as well weapon handling/marksmanship, map reading, 15km combat walk and the drill which we witnessed today. These are
essential combat proficiencies that will serve you well in the ever-evolving operational environment,”.
General Abai said Guards Brigade has expanded it roles significantly beyond Presidential security and ceremonial duties to safeguarding the President, the First Family, and the seat of power, “you now bear the crucial responsibility of applying your leadership skills in leading your men in securing the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. This demands a higher level of professionalism, adaptability, and combat readiness,”.
He continued “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,”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander Guards Brigade Brig-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya said training in the Nigerian Army is a systematic process of developing and enhancing the knowledge, skills and competencies of personnel to perform specific task and duties.
“In the Nigerian Army, the goal is 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 stated further 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 Gds Bde, and I am proud of their accomplishments,” he said.
Leadership reports that Guards Brigade Garrison came first, 177 Guards Battalion came 2nd,7 Guards Battalion 3rd, 176 Guards Battalion 4th while 102 Guards Battalion came 5th
