The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has commenced its 2026 Warrant Officers  and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition as part of efforts to enhance combat readiness, professionalism and operational effectiveness among troops.

The commander of the brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, said at the opening ceremony in Abuja that the competition aligned with the chief of army staff’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptive, combat-ready and resilient force.

Mr Onasanya described warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers as critical pillars of the army, owing to their roles in maintaining discipline, mentoring younger soldiers and supporting training activities.

He said they also served as trusted advisers to officers, contributed significantly to administration and logistics, and promoted the welfare and morale of troops.

According to him, competitions such as the annual event provide an excellent platform for participants to sharpen professional skills, improve physical fitness and demonstrate leadership qualities essential for mission success.

“Warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers occupy a unique and strategic position in the Nigerian Army. Their contributions remain indispensable to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The brigade commander said the competition would commence with weapon-handling and shooting exercises, while other events would include combat walks, map reading, point-to-point navigation, and drill competitions.

He said the activities were designed to test physical endurance, professional competence, discipline and teamwork, while promoting healthy rivalry and esprit de corps among participating teams.

Mr Onasanya urged participants to compete with discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship, adding that the exercise would strengthen comradeship, resilience and teamwork among troops.

The competition drew soldiers from the four battalions of the brigade and the Garrison.

The participating battalions are 7 Guards Battalion, 102 Guards Battalion, 176 Guards Battalion, 177 Guards Battalion, and Guards Brigade Garrison.

They will be competing in weapon handling and shooting, map reading and point-to-point, and combat walk and drill in various locations within their areas of responsibility from Monday to Thursday.

The competition commenced with weapons handling and shooting at the Guards Brigade Shooting Range in Keffi.

(NAN)