COAS Flags Off Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship 2024

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has officially inaugurated the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range, Kaduna State, on October 21, 2024. The biennial event, hosted by the 1 Division Nigerian Army (NA), features participants from 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

4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State

Focus on Professionalism and Security Preparedness

Representing the COAS, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), emphasized that NASAC is more than just a shooting contest. He described it as a platform to test the professionalism, discipline, and readiness of personnel to respond to various security threats. He underscored the significance of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous training in tackling challenges like insurgency, terrorism, and violent extremism.

Maj Gen Aligbe expressed confidence that NASAC 2024 would enhance participants’ decision-making abilities and operational efficiency. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to national security, pledging loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Constitution.

In his welcome address, Maj Gen Mayirenso Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, thanked the COAS for granting the opportunity to host the event and ensuring timely funding. He highlighted the importance of “skill at arms” in assessing troop readiness and operational proficiency. Saraso also encouraged participants and officials to uphold fairness throughout the championship.

The opening ceremony included an oath-taking by participants and officials, the presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.