The Nigerian Army has commenced its 2024 Small Arms Championship (NASAC) at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State.
The week-long competition, which kicked off on Monday, features 542 personnel, comprising 109 officers and 433 soldiers from various divisions.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said the championship is to test and enhance the competencies of personnel in handling small arms.
Represented by Maj-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOCNA), Lagbaja said the exercise goes beyond marksmanship, evaluating military professionalism, discipline, and response to security challenges.
“The Nigerian Army has always placed high premium on training and preparedness,” Lagbaja said.
He added that competitions like NASAC underscore the importance of operational proficiency and military effectiveness, key components of his command philosophy.
Participating divisions include 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.
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His words: “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 loyalty of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Tinibu and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 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.
