Nigerian Army Identifies Purposeful Training as Bedrock of Professionalism

The Nigerian Army has described continuous purposeful training as the bedrock of military professionalism needed to combat every security dynamic thrown at the personnel in the country.

The Commandant, Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School, Calabar, Brigadier General Rasheed Omolori made the remark as a reminder to participants of the 2023 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition, held at the 13 Brigade Headquarters in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

Brigadier General Omolori, who represented the Special Guest of Honour, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, at the closing ceremony of the four-day competition, commended the participants for passion, dexterity, skills, discipline and resourcefulness exhibited during the exercises.

Tackling security dynamics 

Omolori stated, “we have witnessed four days of passion, doggedness, dexterity, skills and professionalism from all the participants. This glamorous outing is in no doubt a culmination of hard work, discipline and resourcefulness put in at various levels of preparation by the various contingents.

“Most importantly, purposeful training, which is the bedrock of military professionalism was the catalyst to what we have witnessed during the competition.”

Continuing, he said, “let me remind all that we must continue to train ourselves so that we can develop the required capability in our troops to handle every challenge thrown at them by the security dynamics. The just concluded competition is not only timely, but key in improving the combat readiness of our Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in 82 Division.”

He urged the personnel of participating formations to take into account the lessons, observations and new skills developed during the competition in order to add value to future trainings and operations within the division.

The Commandant further urge the Division to continue to pursue its training schedules to enhance “perfect on current tactics, techniques and procedures and as well acquire new ones with a view to realizing the Chief of the Army Staff vision.”

Boosting operational efficiency 

In a brief remark, the Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brigadier General Everest Okoro, described regular training of military personnel as the tool to sharpen their performance and enhance troops bond, physical and mental fitness required for professional and operational effectiveness.

Brigadier General Okoro said, “I must commend the discipline, motivation and comradeship exhibited by the troops throughout the competition. The team spirit is key to success in the joint operation environment. I am particularly impressed with your physical fitness and weapon handling skills, which you displayed in the combat run and skill at arms events.” 

The Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition featured Drills, Weapons handling, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing, Navigation, 10 Kilometres Combat Run and 5 Kilometres Fitness Run.

Five Nigerian Army formation under the 82 Division Area of Operations participated which include 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State; 34 Brigade, Owerri, Imo State; 44 Engineering Brigade, 82 Div Garrison both in Enugu and host 13 Brigade Calabar, Cross River State.

Highpoint of the competition was the presentation of prizes to the overall winners, 13 Brigade Calabar, followed by 34 Brigade, Owerri in second place, while 82 Div Garrison, Enugu came in third position and the losers paddle went to 44 Engineering Brigade, Enugu.