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.

Nigerian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command Conducts Successful Small Arms Firing Exercise.

The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy recently conducted a three-day Small Arms Firing Exercise (SAFEX) from October 15 to 17, 2024, at the Nigerian Police Shooting Range in Asabanka Community, Akpabuyo, Cross River State. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and small arms proficiency among naval personnel.

Rear Admiral SA Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), emphasized the exercise’s strategic importance during his address at the NNS VICTORY parade ground. The event featured full-scale live-fire drills, with participation from all Calabar-based units and expert support from Nigerian Army 13 Brigade gunnery instructors.

 Exercise Highlights

• Safety Briefings: Daily safety briefs and weapon handling instructions ensured participant safety.
• Range Classification: Participants fired various weapons at 200m, 100m and 50m distances in prone, kneeling and standing positions.
• Interagency Participation: NYSC members and journalists handled and fired rifles for the first time.
• Debriefing and Search: Empty rounds were retrieved, and participants were searched in line with military traditions.

Objectives Achieved

The exercise successfully improved small arms proficiency, reinforced joint-service cooperation and enhanced overall operational readiness. Senior officers reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to professionalism and mission readiness in combating emerging security threats during a post-exercise media briefing.

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