The Army Headquarters Garrison on Monday kicked off the 2025 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition, aimed at testing the physical fitness and combat readiness of its personnel.
The annual competition forms a core part of the Nigerian Army’s training regime, designed to sharpen the efficiency and preparedness of its soldiers for battlefield duties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Garrison Commander, Maj.-Gen. William Dangana, emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with critical survival and combat skills to confront and defeat adversaries in any operational environment.
Dangana, represented by the Garrison’s Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Peter Elayo, noted that the competition serves not only as a test of fitness and skill but also as a means to strengthen the bond among senior non-commissioned officers, whom he described as the “custodians of army tradition.”
He said the activities would help heighten their alertness, refine their professional abilities, and ensure they remain proficient in all facets of soldiering.
Also speaking, the Garrison Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. Ndareke Orok, said the competition was a showcase of leadership, resilience, and the high standards of professionalism that define the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the army fully recognizes the pivotal role played by warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers in an increasingly complex security landscape.
“They remain the backbone of the army,” Orok stated. “Their ability to lead, monitor, and impart soldiers is essential to the success of the missions and the well-being of the various establishments, formations, and units of the Nigerian Army.”
He further described the competition as more than a technical assessment.
“This competition is not just a test of individual skills, it is a celebration of the collective strength, knowledge, and dedication that you all bring to the table,” he said.
Participants will undergo a rigorous series of events, including drill, weapon handling, map reading, point-to-point navigation, swimming, obstacle crossing, physical fitness tests, and range shooting.
“These events will push the limits of your physical capability, tactical proficiency, and strategic thinking,” Orok noted, adding that the challenges are designed to reinforce the army’s values of teamwork and collaboration.
He urged participants to hold fast to the military’s core principles of leadership, integrity, and mutual respect.
“Win or lose, what matters most is our commitment to learning from each experience and supporting one another as we strive to become better, both as an individual and as an army,” he said.
