Abuja: The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has commenced its 2026 Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Competition as part of efforts to enhance combat readiness, professionalism, and operational effectiveness among troops. The event was inaugurated by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, who emphasized that the competition aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of building a professional, adaptive, combat-ready, and resilient force.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Brig.-Gen. Onasanya highlighted the critical roles that warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers play within the Nigerian Army. He stated that these individuals are essential for maintaining discipline, mentoring younger soldiers, and supporting training activities. Additionally, they serve as trusted advisers to officers, contribute significantly to administration and logistics, and promote the welfare and morale of troops.
Competitions like this annual event, Onasanya explained, provide an excellent platform for participants to sharpen their professional skills, improve physical fitness, and demonstrate leadership qualities vital for mission success. He emphasized the unique and strategic position that warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers hold within the Nigerian Army and their indispensable contributions to operational effectiveness.
The competition commenced with weapon handling and shooting exercises, and will include events such as combat walk, map reading, point-to-point navigation, and drill competitions. These activities are designed to test physical endurance, professional competence, discipline, and teamwork, while fostering healthy rivalry and esprit de corps among participating teams. Onasanya encouraged participants to uphold discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship throughout the exercise, which aims to strengthen comradeship, resilience, and teamwork among troops.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that soldiers from the four battalions of the Guards Brigade and the Garrison are participating in the competition. The battalions involved are 7 Guards Battalion, 102 Guards Battalion, 176 Guards Battalion, 177 Guards Battalion, and Guards Brigade Garrison. The competition, which commenced with weapon handling and shooting at the Guards Brigade Shooting Range in Keffi, will run from Monday to Thursday across various locations within their areas of responsibility.