Abuja: The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQGARR), Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain mission-ready soldiers at all times through continuous training. Dangana stated this at the closing of the AHQGARR Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2025, on Friday in Abuja. He emphasized the competition’s role in highlighting the essential contributions of senior non-commissioned officers to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commander praised the participants for their precision during the drill competition, their skill and marksmanship at the shooting range, and their tactical awareness during navigation exercises. He also commended their strength and endurance demonstrated in swimming, obstacle crossing, and combat races. Dangana noted that these activities reflect real battlefield scenarios and are crucial in ensuring soldiers remain mission-ready.
Dangana stated, “From what I have seen and witnessed today, and over the few days of this competition, there is no doubt that the competition has achieved its intended purpose. The competition aligns with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy, focusing on transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
The commander highlighted that the exercises conducted were not mere competitions but represented the core soldiering ethos, encompassing skills, discipline, endurance, and mental alertness critical to the strength and reliability of the armed forces. He acknowledged the exceptional commitment, resilience, teamwork, and regimentation displayed by the senior non-commissioned officers throughout the event, noting their efforts in strengthening the bond within the garrison and reinforcing their vital role in upholding standards, enforcing discipline, and mentoring young soldiers.
Dangana urged competitors to carry forward the lessons learned, continue building on them, and remain role models for soldiers under their command. He congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance and encouraged others to strive harder in future competitions. He emphasized that the ultimate goal extends beyond winning trophies, focusing instead on building capacity, promoting esprit de corps, and improving troop readiness for any eventuality.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the competition commenced on Monday with three teams from the AHQ Garrison area of responsibility. At the end of the competition, Team Alpha (A) emerged as the overall winner with 380 points, Team Charlie (C) secured second place with 280 points, while Team Bravo (B) ranked third with 180 points.