Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has officially flagged off the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State, on October 21, 2024.
The biennial event, hosted by 1 Division Nigerian Army (NA), brings together nine formations: Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja, 1 Division NA Kaduna, 2 Division NA Ibadan, 3 Division NA Jos, 6 Division NA Port Harcourt, 8 Division NA Sokoto, 81 Division NA Lagos, 82 Division NA Enugu, and 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State.
The representative of the COAS, Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Kelvin Aligbe, highlighted that NASAC goes beyond being a shooting competition.
He described it as a rigorous test of personnel’s professionalism, discipline, and preparedness to address a range of security threats. He emphasized that well-trained personnel are essential for the success of military operations.
Aligbe also stressed the importance of teamwork, urging participants to focus on unity and collaboration, which are crucial in managing security challenges such as insurgency, terrorism, and violent extremism.
He expressed confidence that NASAC 2024 would sharpen participants’ decision-making skills and boost their operational confidence.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pledging the NA’s commitment to protecting national security and addressing future challenges.
In his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Maj Gen Mayirenso Lander Saraso, expressed appreciation to the COAS for allowing 1 Division to host the championship and for ensuring timely funding.
He noted that “skill at arms” is vital for evaluating troops’ readiness and that the competition builds on regular field exercises and proficiency assessments. Maj Gen Saraso also encouraged fairness among participants and officials throughout the event.
The opening ceremony featured an oath-taking by participants and officials, the presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
