Nigerian Army Launches 2024 Small Arms Championship.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has kicked off the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State. This biennial event, hosted by 1 Division Nigerian Army, brings together nine formations from across the country to test their marksmanship skills.

The championship is more than just a shooting competition; it evaluates personnel’s professionalism, discipline and preparedness to tackle various security threats, according to Maj. Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, Commander of Training and Doctrine Command. Well-trained personnel are crucial for successful military operations, and teamwork is vital in addressing security challenges like insurgency and terrorism.

Maj. Gen. Aligbe emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among participants, expressing confidence that the championship will enhance their decision-making skills and operational confidence.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution, pledging to protect national security and address future challenges.

Maj. Gen. Mayirenso Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, thanked Lt. Gen. Lagbaja for hosting the championship and ensuring timely funding. He noted that “skill at arms” is essential for evaluating troops’ readiness.

The event features an oath-taking ceremony, souvenir presentations and group photographs. Participants and officials pledged fairness throughout the competition.

Participating 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
• 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State

Objectives

1. Enhance marksmanship skills among personnel.
2. Evaluate troops’ readiness and operational confidence.
3. Foster teamwork, unity and collaboration.
4. Promote professionalism and discipline.

Key Highlights

1. Opening ceremony featured oath-taking, souvenir presentations and group photographs.
2. Maj. Gen. Kelvin Aligbe emphasized the importance of teamwork and operational readiness.
3. Maj. Gen. Mayirenso Lander Saraso encouraged fairness among participants and officials.
4. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Championship Significance

1. Sharpens decision-making skills and boosts operational confidence.
2. Enhances personnel’s professionalism, discipline and preparedness.
3. Fosters unity and collaboration among participants.
4. Demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security.

The 2024 NASAC underscores the Nigerian Army’s dedication to operational excellence, readiness and loyalty to the nation.

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Nigerian Military Warns Against Calls for Coup, Labels Them Treasonable.

The Nigerian military high command has issued a stern warning to individuals advocating for the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s government, condemning such demands as treasonable. This warning comes in response to a viral video showcasing citizens’ frustration with economic hardships, specifically the removal of fuel subsidies and Naira floatation.

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasized that advocating for a military takeover aims to cause national discord. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democracy and the Tinubu administration, citing the president’s substantial backing of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as reason for the current relative peace.

Gusau clarified that promoting a coup is a treasonable offense under Nigeria’s Constitution, with perpetrators facing severe legal consequences. The military pledged loyalty to the government, ensuring the preservation and advancement of democracy.

Key points include:

• Treasonable Offense: Advocating for a coup is punishable under Nigeria’s Constitution.
• Military Loyalty: The AFN remains committed to supporting democracy and the Tinubu administration.
• National Security: The military and security agencies will take action against unconstitutional change advocates.
• Economic Frustrations: Citizens expressed dissatisfaction with fuel subsidy removal and Naira floatation.

The military prioritizes protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and upholding democratic governance.

Tragedy Strikes Lagos: Police ASP Killed in Clash with Angry Motorcyclists.

A fatal accident involving a truck and an Okada rider sparked chaos in Agege, Lagos, leading to the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on Saturday morning. The officer, who was 46 years old, was part of a team responding to a distress call at WEMCO junction by Mobil Road.

The Incident

The ASP-led team arrived to evacuate the truck, which had knocked down the Okada rider. However, they were met with stiff resistance from the rider’s colleagues, who demanded the truck be set on fire. As tensions escalated, the mob launched an unprovoked attack on the officers, resulting in the ASP’s death.

Police Response

Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos State Police Command spokesman, condemned the Okada riders’ actions, emphasizing the police were only responding to a distress call and trying to maintain order. Preliminary investigations revealed the Okada rider collided with the stationary truck, leading to his death.

Aftermath

Five suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt for other fleeing suspects is ongoing. The police are working to bring those responsible to justice. This incident highlights the growing concerns about violence and law enforcement safety in Nigeria.