The Nigerian Army on Friday won the Nigerian Armed Forces Games 2024, with a total of 264 medals.

The Nigerian Army won the games with 172 gold, 60 silver and 32 bronze medals, clinching the first position in the games held in Kaduna.

The Nigerian Air Force came second with 33 gold, 103 silver and 51 bronze medals, making a total of 187 medals.

The Nigerian Navy came third position with a total of 129 medals, consisting of 18 golds, 43 silvers and 68 bronze.

About 1,600 athletes from the tri-service participated in the games with the theme “Enhancing military professionalism through sports.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the event brought together the finest men and women of the armed forces.

According to him, they showcased not just their physical prowess but also the spirit of unity, discipline, and camaraderie that define the Nigerian military.

Mr Musa explained that the occasion, which saw over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was essential in preparing Nigeria’s team for the Africa Military Games, scheduled for November 2024 in Abuja.

The CDS added that there has been more to the games than merely an athletics festival.

He said, “They are a reminder that we, as members of the Armed Forces, are bound by a shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and teamwork-qualities that are as vital on the battlefield as they are on the playing field.’’

Speaking further, Mr Musa said the games also reminded the armed forces that the physical and mental wellbeing of soldiers were crucial.

He equally said that in the face of the nation’s ever-evolving security challenges, ensuring that armed forces men and women were in peak condition was not just a matter of pride, but a necessity for operational effectiveness.

According to the CDS, the athletes’ participation in the games reinforced the vital connection between fitness, readiness, and overall military performance.

Mr Musa commended the athletes for their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

He said, “You have displayed the same values that make our military strong; perseverance, discipline, and respect for one another. Each of you is a winner for the bravery and work you put into every event, regardless of whatever position you finished.’’

The defence chief thanked the Governor Uba Sani for the support received from the state during the conduct of the games and the organisers, sponsors, among others who also contributed to its success.

He also thanked the families of the servicemen and women for their support.

“Behind every soldier is a family that has made sacrifices, let us remain steadfast in our collective goal of defending the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, while upholding the values of honour, courage, and loyalty,” he said.

Mr Sani, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the timing of the competition was not only apt but key to facilitating the readiness of the personnel to combat the myriad of contemporary security challenges bedevilling the country.

Mr Sani was represented by the state’s overseeing Commissioner for Internal security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.

He said that in maintaining a fighting force like the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the essence of physical fitness underscored the need for the personnel to always engage in sporting activities.

Mr Sani said that such events were being organised to promote and inculcate core values of integrity and excellence as well as effective service deliverables.

“Given the various security challenges facing our country, the men and women of our armed forces must keep fit physically, mentally and emotionally to cope with the enormous demands and challenges of our values and aspirations as a nation,” he said.

Mr Sani called on the military personnel to intensify their fight against security threats to ensure a free, safe and egalitarian Nigeria and African continent.

He stated, “It is therefore pertinent that you always conduct yourselves in a manner befitting of military personnel when discharging your duties in line with the ethics and ethos of the military profession.”

(NAN)