From: Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Army has commenced the training of its soldiers of corporals ranks and below, to sharpen their skills in weapon handling and combat proficiency.
The training exercise Daily Sun learnt was necessitated following recent casualties recorded in the Ishawo area of Lagos where a team of soldiers were ambushed by militants in that area.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Babatunde Oyefolu, who flagged off the exercise said the reaction of the troops during that encounter necessitated the training exercise.
Gen. Oyefolu said that, “this competition could not have come at a better time considering the recent incidences recorded, when our patrol teams were ambushed at Ijedodo and Ishawo.
“The reaction of the troops during these encounters necessitates more intensive training of this nature.”
The GOC said that, “Corporals and below play key roles in influencing the command climate in every organization, be it a section, platoon, company, battalion or brigade.
“It is therefore imperative that they are properly trained to ensure they can easily breach the gap between the officers, cadre and soldiers.”
The General said that. “This year’s competition is organized with the primary goal of improving junior leadership traits, their organizational ability and inculcating initiative in the stipulated rank bracket.
“It is only through proper realistic training and steadfast/ethical leadership that soldiers and units can reach their full capabilities and be most effective.”
Oyefolu said that training has a crucial role in the attainment of professionalism adding that it is in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai’s vision, “to have a professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”
Earlier, the Commander 9 brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu said that the brigade was tasked to host and take part with other formations and units drawn from Nigerian Army 81 division garrison, 45 division Engineers and 35 Artillery brigade.
To ensure a free and fair competition, the Commander said that the Judges were selected from the Army headquarters formations in Lagos for the following competitions that kick off today at the parade ground with the Drilling, the Combat Swimming at Water Parks, Ikeja, the shooting will hold at firing range at Ajilete Owode, while the map reading holds at Nigerian Army Cantonment,Ojo.
While the obstacles crossing/physical fitness would be for the closing ceremony this Friday at the Buratai ‘s Sport Complex, Ikeja, Cantonment.