The Army Headquarters Garrison has emerged winner of the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Army Small Arms  Championship after hauling 2,085 points.

The week-long event featured 109 officers and 433 soldiers at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna.

The 82 Division Enugu, came 2nd, with 2, 014 points, 3 Division Jos, came 3rd, with 1, 716 points and 6 Division Port Harcourt, came 4th with 1,705 points..

In the same vein,  2 Division Ibadan, came 5th, with 1, 701 points, 81 Division Lagos, came 6th, with  1,640, 1 Division Kaduna came 7th with 1,596 points, 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State, came 8th with 1, 369 points and 8 Division Sokoto, came 9th with 989 points.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, in his closing remarks, said that the championship was designed to test and enhance the competencies of the personnel in handling various small arms in the Nigerian Army inventory.

Mr Lagbaja said, “I am asking you all not only to showcase your personal abilities but to also work together with your teammates in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support. I urge you all to apply the dexterity, skills, comradeship and professionalism demonstrated in this competition in your future operations.”

The COAS reiterated that formations must leverage and improve upon the lessons derived from the championship.

Mr Lagbaja added, “I urge you all to sustain efforts in enhancing weapon handling in your various training activities.”These particularly include the annual range classification, basic battle course, inter brigade competitions as well as exercise shining star conducted for our young recruits.”

According to him, in competitions, it is expected that some formations will excel as a team while individual talents will be discovered.

He added, “These feats can only be achieved through mission-oriented training, adequate preparations as well as determination and persistence which are all essential for attainment of battlefield success.’’

He congratulated the participants and commended the army headquarters garrison for emerging the winner in the championship.

He also commended the best marksman in the championship and congratulated other personnel that won various medals.

He stated, “I enjoin all formations and units to continue to devote premium attention to training activities and also intensify efforts to achieve more successes in our operations.’’

The army chief appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Army.

He also lauded the minister of defence, chief of defence staff, service chiefs and all other heads of security agencies for their support and cooperation.

He added, “I assure you all that the Nigerian Army remains committed to discharging its roles professionally in line with the constitution.’’

(NAN)