The Nigerian Army on Monday said it would continue to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
The Commander, Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. John Malu, stated this during a Fitness Training competition for Warrant Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Service at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
According to Malu, the training is in line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) vision to have a professionally responsive army discharging its constitutional role.
Malu also said that the training was very important to the Service“ as they are the ones between the officers and the Nigerian Army (NA); they are the ones who translate and ensure strict compliance and implementation of the order issued by officers”.
“Therefore, in order to effectively implement these orders and instructions, the warrant officers and senior officers must be well-trained above the corporals and below for the fighting force of the NA,’’ Malu said.
Malu said further that the competition was essentially to improve their professional competence and above all, their leadership qualities which could only be achieved through training and retraining.
He said that the training includes: weapon handling, hurdle crossing and shooting, all aimed at enhancing the soldiers’ capacity and ability.
Malu also said that training was the bedrock of the military function, adding that the army trained more in peace time in order to lessen their work rate during theatre of operations.
He expressed optimism that the training would also bring about fewer casualties whenever the officers found themselves in the theatre of operations.
“This competition is coming at no better time than now that we are facing serious security challenges in the North-East and the Niger Delta region.
“I therefore, enjoin you all to be serious and develop a high level of interest and exhibit e spirit de corps and comradeship,’’ he said.
Malu warned the trainees against cheating in the competition, adding that anyone caught would be severally sanctioned, including the senior officers and judges.