The Nigerian Army has tasked Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCOs) to ensure adequate training and provide quality leadership to soldiers in the fight against terrorism and other  crimes.

The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai gave the charge on Thursday during the closing of the Guards Brigade’s WOs and SNCOs’ Competition 2025 in Abuja.

Mr. Abai was represented by the Director of Transformation and Innovation at the Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sinyinah Nicodemus.

He commended the officers and soldiers for their outstanding display of leadership qualities, both in teamwork and dedication, in what he called a “rigorous and rewarding competition.”

He stated that these qualities were essential in addressing the nation’s complex security challenges.

“It is often said that training is the lifeblood of a professional army, particularly in peacetime.

“For the Nigerian army, continuous and realistic training is not just a necessity; it is an obligation.

“As we all know, our country is confronted with various security threats, from terrorism and insurgency to cybercrime and border security, amongst others.

“These security challenges demand a robust and multi-faceted response that requires nothing short of excellence from every soldier, especially from our WOs and SNCOs, who form the bridge between officers and Non-Commissioned Officers,” he said.

The senior officer stated that the Guards Brigade had expanded its roles significantly beyond presidential security and ceremonial duties to safeguard the president, the first family, and the seat of power.

He said the senior soldiers now bear the crucial responsibility of applying their leadership skills in leading their men in securing the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

“I urge you to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to excellence – for the battlefield favours only those who prepare relentlessly,” he said.

Earlier, the commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya said that training is a systematic process of developing and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competencies of personnel to perform specific tasks and duties.

Mr Onasanya said the goal was to equip personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, combat resilience, and attributes to perform their duties effectively and safely in a dynamic and often unpredictable environment.

He added that given the complexities of modern warfare, soldiers must perform optimally, underscoring the need for top-notch training.

Guards Brigade Garrison came first, 177 Guards Battalion came second, while 7 Guards Battalion emerged third.

The 176 Guards Battalion came 4th, while the 102 Guards Battalion came fifth.

The competition began on Monday with weapon handling and shooting at the 177 Guards Battalion Range in Keffi, while the remaining events took place in Abuja.

(NAN)