Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar Says Training Remains Critical to Enhancing Competence as Inter-Formation WOs & SNCOs Competition Kicks Off

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos Plateau State and the Commmander Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar has harped on the importance of training of Army personnel which he said is capable of enhancing their competencies and professional performance in the field considering the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria ranging from insurgency, kidnapping, militancy, armed robbery among others.
He hinted that in other to address these security challenges, the Armed Forces have continued to upscale training and military exercises to meet up with the contemporary challenges. He disclosed that one of such avenues of training in the Nigerian Army is the conduct of competitions such as Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition.

The top Army Officer who was represented by the Chief of Staff 3 Division, Brig. Gen. David Kurmi made these disclosures while declaring open the Inter-Formations Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) competition as the Special Guest of Honour.

He asserted that the ongoing four-day Competition is organized to enhance training of WOs and SNCOs in the area of improved regimentation and leadership qualities towards performing their constitutional roles as professional Soldiers saying it is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities in joint operations.
He further added that the Completion is also aimed at sharpening the skills and competences of all the participants.
“Let me note that, Competitions of this nature is characterized by a win-win situation full of opportunities to train, change environment and make new friends. It also plays important role in molding and developing the resilience required to win battles which is in line with my vision of readiness, synergy and excellence. I therefore charge you not to consider only winning the trophies but other significant benefits of the competition” he said.

He charged the umpires and observers to keenly observe the conduct of the competition with a view to bringing out lessons, which can be used to improve subsequent competitions and further urged all the judges to be neutral, just, impartial, objective and professional in computing the results of the participants.

Earlier while welcoming the participants, leaders of the formations and Guests, the Commander 3 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. MO Agi said the competition is one of the cardinal pillar of the Nigerian Army training activities in the Division in line with GOC’s training directives for the year 2023 derived from the Army Headquarters Training Directives.
He said the event amongst other training and exercises is organized to further equip the troops to enhance their general competencies and effectiveness in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

The event which is holding in the 82 Battalion parade ground will see participants from 6 Infantry Brigade Jalingo Taraba State, 23 Armoured Brigade Yola Adamawa State, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, 3 Division Garrison Jos, 43 Engineer Brigade 3 Division and 53 Signal Brigade 3 Division slugging it out to win the competition.
The opening ceremony was well attended by Senior Army Officers and Heads of other Military and Paramilitary Agencies in the State.