The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, has said the Nigerian Army will continue to prioritise training and excellence in the service.

Mr Saraso, who is also the Commander, Sector 1 Operation Fansan  Yanma, stated this at the closing of the division’s Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition, 2025 on Friday in Kaduna.

The week-long competition featured weapons handling, obstacle crossing, range classification, combat swimming and map reading.

Recall that 150 athletes, who participated in the event were drawn from 1 Division Garrison, Kaduna, 3 Brigade, Kano and 31 Brigade, Minna, respectively

He disclosed that the Nigerian Army had scheduled more competitions for the year, including the Combat Orienteering Competition and Combat Proficiency Competition.

Mr Saraso said  the formations made commendable efforts at preparing their various teams for the competition.

He said, “I  acknowledge the stamina and endurance displayed by the various groups in obstacles crossing as well as in combat swimming. You swam in military gear; that is with your boots, uniform, rifles and other kits. You also showed great skills in weapons handling and map reading nevertheless, there is room for improvement.

As the Nigerian Army continues to forge ahead, training will remain the best welfare soldiers can have.’’

According to him, this year’s competition is a reaffirmation of the premium which the division places on effective training.

Mr Saraso added, “The division will continue to implement its training schedules in line with AHQ training directives. Accordingly, new skills will continue to be acquired, areas of observed weaknesses will be strengthened out and those areas where personnel are strong will be consolidated. For the formations that excelled in the various events, and the overall champion during this competition, I say congratulations and keep it up. For the formations that have not triumphed, you still have the chance of showcasing your abilities in other competitions, provided that you start training early. We still have Nigerian Army Combat Orienteering Competition scheduled for July this year and the Combat Proficiency Competition which is also scheduled for August this year.”

Mr Saraso commended the participants, observers, umpires and judges for a job well done.

He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede  for providing the resources to host the competition. 3Brigade Kano emerged  the overall winner of the competition, 31 Artillery Brigade came second and 1 Division Garrison came third.

(NAN)