The Nigerian Army has called on its troops to prioritize training as a fundamental requirement for advancement in their military careers. This was emphasized by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, during the opening ceremony of the 3 Division’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition taking place in Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Jimeta-Yola, the Adamawa state capital
Representing the GOC, the 3 Division Training Officer (DTO), Brigadier General Adiyu Aminu underscored training as a cornerstone of the Nigerian Army and essential for career progression. He highlighted that the competition aims to enhance the training, skills and competence of personnel within the division, enabling them to effectively address the security challenges facing the nation. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, for ensuring the necessary resources were made available for the successful conduct of the competition.
In his welcome address the Commander 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, Brigadier General Paul Zawaya, described the Combat Proficiency Competition as a routine training exercise designed to strengthen the capabilities of the troops. He further noted that the competition will better prepare and equip personnel with the skills required to perform efficiently in any capacity within the broader society. Brigadier General Zawaya also commended the GOC/Commander OPSH for his dedication to ensuring that troops under his command receive adequate and necessary training. He urged the participants to seize the opportunity to enhance their combat proficiency and capacity.
The week-long event brings together troops from 6 Brigade Jalingo, 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, 53 Signals Brigade Jos and 3 Division Garrison Jos.
The opening ceremony was graced by Barrister Auwal Bamanga Tukur, the Secretary to the State Government, who represented the Executive Governor of Adamawa State. Other attendees included Commander 153 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Services Group, Air Commodore YA Katibiya, heads of security and paramilitary agencies and representative of the Zonal Coordinator Nigerian Army Officer’s Wives Association (NAOWA) 23 Brigade Chapter.
Highlights of the event included a novelty tug-of-war between personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Adamawa State Command and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Adamawa State Command, as well as a tug-of-war contest between participating formations.
ADEBAYO SAMUEL ADEWUMI
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
HQ 23 Brigade, Yola
19 August 2024