In line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events and the Guards Brigade Training Directives for 2025, the Guards Brigade has commenced the 2025 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition at Shittu Alao Barracks in Keffi, Nasarawa State. As part of the opening ceremony, the 177 Guards Battalion emerged as champions in the Weapon Handling and Shooting Competition.
The Special Guest of Honour, Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army, Major General Hilary Nzan, represented by the Chief of Staff, 4 Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Murtala Abuh in his opening remarks, stated that the essence of this competition is to enhance combat readiness, strengthen teamwork, reinforce discipline, and assess unit-level training efficiency.
Major General Nzan said the Competition offers a unique opportunity to gauge the capabilities and preparedness of our Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, who remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army.
He said the competition aligns with the "vision and transformation drive of the Chief of Army Staff", which is focused on building a highly motivated, well-trained, and combat-effective Nigerian Army capable of operating decisively in joint and multi-agency environments.
"This competition could not have come at a more critical time, as our nation continues to contend with complex security challenges. In response, the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts to ensure peace and stability. It is therefore imperative that our personnel remain physically fit, tactically sound, and professionally grounded, "he said
While declaring the Competition open, Major General Nzan stressed that throughout this competition, participants will engage in various events including: Drill, Endurance Race, Physical Fitness Test, Obstacle Crossing, Point-to-Point Navigation, Weapon Handling and Swimming.
He urged all participants to uphold the core values of integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Colonel Abdulrahman Bello said this competition is a vital component of the Nigerian Army’s Training and Development Programme.
He noted that it is designed to showcase the exceptional marksmanship, tactical proficiency, and physical endurance of our personnel, in line with the Guards Brigade’s enduring commitment to operational excellence and combat readiness.
He added that beyond competition, today’s activities foster discipline, teamwork, and esprit de corps—qualities that are foundational to the professionalism of the Nigerian Army.
"The weapon handling and shooting exercises, in particular, are pivotal to enhancing combat effectiveness and sharpening the leadership and organizational capabilities of participants.
"Through this platform, our personnel will hone critical operational skills, improve decision-making under pressure, and reinforce their physical and mental resilience—key attributes for contemporary military operations.
"The Guards Brigade is proud of its storied legacy, and this competition further cements our role as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and excellence within the Nigerian Army," he said
From the Guards Brigade Range, Keffi, the venue for the weapon handling and shooting phase of the 2025 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition, SpyeTV News reports that 14 participants competed in each of the competitions from the 7 Guards Battalion Lungi Barracks, FCT, 102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger State, 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada FCT, 177 Guards Battalion Keffi Nasarawa State, and Guards Brigade Garrison, Mambilla Barrack, Asokoro, Abuja.
