Keffi: The Commander, Army Central Ammunition Depot Agunu (ACADA), Brig.-Gen. Ernest Ineme, emphasized the crucial role of warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) in the Nigerian Army during the opening of the Guards Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2026 in Keffi, Nasarawa State. He highlighted their role as the essential link between commissioned officers and junior soldiers, underscoring their importance in maintaining discipline, enforcing standards, and mentoring subordinates.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Brig.-Gen. Ineme stated that warrant officers and SNCOs provide the necessary leadership and technical expertise for successful military operations. He described them as the backbone of any professional army, emphasizing the competition’s role in strengthening resilience, teamwork, esprit de corps, and operational readiness among participants.
Ineme stressed that training is fundamental to military effectiveness and combat readiness, especially amid evolving security challenges. He commended Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya for organizing the competition, praising it as an initiative that reinforces professionalism and bolsters the fighting spirit of the Nigerian Army. The competition is seen as a platform for building resilience, fortitude, and esprit de corps while enhancing combat readiness.
Brig.-Gen. Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, stated that the competition aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of fostering a professional, adaptive, combat-ready, and resilient force. He reiterated the strategic role of warrant officers and SNCOs in maintaining discipline, mentoring soldiers, supporting training activities, and advising officers on operational and administrative matters. Their contributions are deemed indispensable to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
The competition includes activities such as weapon handling, shooting exercises, combat walk, map reading, point-to-point navigation, and drill competitions. These activities are designed to test participants’ physical endurance, professional competence, discipline, and teamwork while promoting healthy rivalry and esprit de corps.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the competition features soldiers from the four battalions of the Guards Brigade and the Garrison. Participating battalions include 7 Guards Battalion, 102 Guards Battalion, 176 Guards Battalion, 177 Guards Battalion, and Guards Brigade Garrison. The competition commenced with weapon handling and shooting at the Guards Brigade Shooting Range in Keffi, running from Monday to Thursday.