By Lawrence Audu
Troops of the Guards Brigade Nigerian Army have been implored to maintain fitness through constant training so as to enable them carry out and achieve assigned tasks.
Deputy Director, Courses and Examination, Department of Army Training, Army Headquarters, Major General Olusegun Abai gave the charge at the closing ceremony of Guards Brigade Nigerian Army Corporal and Below Inter- Battalion Drill Competition for the year 2023 held at the Mambilla Barracks Parade Ground, Asokoro Abuja.
The four days event which was flagged off by the Acting Commander Guards Brigade, Col Adebisi Onasanya earlier on Monday 17 July 2023 kick-started with Weapon Handling and skill at arms which was followed by Cross Country marathon race, Map reading and obstacle course crossing competition held at the lungi barracks obstacle ground, Maitama Abuja.
The participating units are 7 Guard’s Battalion located in Lungi Barracks Maitama,102 Guards Battalion located in Suleija Niger state,176 Guards Battalion , Gwagwalada, 177Guards Battalion Keffi Nasarawa State and Guard’s Brigade Garrison located in the heart of the Federal Capital, Mambilla barracks Asokoro.
General Abai who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, appreciated the Ag Commander and his team of officers for organizing the competition at a time the nation is witnessing myriads of security challenges.
The senior officer affirmed that the training area earmarked for the competition which includes skill at arms, map reading obstacle course crossing and drill as well the cross country marathon race are very apt to keep the soldiers fit considering the wide area of responsibility which the Brigade and unit under command currently dominates.
He stated further that the current security challenges being face across the nation are ascimetric and dynamic in nature which requires personnel who are fit and competent for any operational engagement.
The senior officer reminded all present that there is a need to also be mindful of the attendant consequences of the unconventional dimensions of the current security challenges being face by the country which requires good leaders ,sound administration and adequate professional knowledge to deal with the situation while urging Commanders at all level to maintain the tempo so as to keep the common enemies of the nation in check.
General Abai further avered that the results of the competition is a testimony to the fact that troops under command are well trained and fit to carry out all task and also commended them for the team spirit which he said has greatly impacted on the combat survival techniques of the troops the the units as a whole.
The top Army scribe appreciated the Ag Commander and his team for a job well done. High point of the competition was announcement of results and presentation of trophies and awards to deserving units as well as individuals who stood out during the competition.
At the end of the 7Guards Battalion located in Lungi Barracks Maitama in the Federal Capital Territory emerged overall champion while 176 Guards Battalion located in Gwagwalada and 177Guards Battalion Keffi, Nasarawa State came 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
There was also presentation of souvenir by the Commander to the Special Guest of Honour and the team of umpire Led by Lieutenant colonel DO Ogueri from the Department of Training and programmes , Army Headquarters.