By Chidi Ugwu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has flagged off the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2024 at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Championship is a biennial event and hosted by 1 Division with nine formations participating. The formations are 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 State respectively.
The COAS who was represented by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe remarked that NASAC goes beyond shooting competition.
He described the championship as a holistic exercise of testing personnel’s professionalism, discipline, and ability to respond to a variety of security challenges,” stressing that well-trained personnel form the foundation of successful military operations.
The representative of the COAS also highlighted the importance of teamwork, urging participants to prioritize unity and collaboration, as these qualities are critical in handling complex security threats such as insurgency, terrorism, and violent extremism.
He reiterated that the lessons that will be learnt from NASAC 2024 would strengthen participants’ decision-making skills and boost their confidence in real-time operations.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pledging his commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security and meeting future challenges.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the host and General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Mayirenso Lander Saraso expressed his gratitude to the COAS for granting the Division the rare privilege to host the event as well as timely provision of funds, noting that “skill at arms” is essential for evaluating troops’ operational readiness.
He added that the competition builds on routine field exercises and proficiency tests, allowing participants to showcase their mastery in handling small arms. He encouraged fair play among participants and umpires throughout the championship.
Highlights of the opening ceremony were the oath-taking ceremony by representatives of officials present.
