In a closing ceremony held at the esteemed Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Major General Abdulsalam E. Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Armour Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, called upon Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to demonstrate unwavering dedication, commitment, and professionalism in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities within the Nigerian Army.
Representing Major General Abubakar, Brigadier General David D. Kurmi, the Chief of Staff of 3 Division, emphasized the importance of maintaining resolute and steadfast conduct during the 3 Division Inter-Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers competition. The highly-anticipated event, which commenced on July 10, 2023, saw participants from various formations and units within the 3 Division Area of Responsibility, encompassing Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States.
The week-long competition saw participants engaged in a series of physical training activities, including drill exercises, map reading, weapon handling, swimming, combat runs, and obstacle crossings. The event showcased the soldiers’ discipline, comradeship, and overall performance, exemplifying the Nigerian Army’s dedication to optimal training and preparation for their assigned duties.
The event was attended by senior Army officers, heads of paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers led by His Royal Highness the Bra Ngwe Irigwe Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd), and well-wishers, solidifying the significance of the competition and the collective commitment to peace and security in Plateau State.
Major General Abubakar praised the participants for their exceptional conduct and highlighted the significance of the competition in enhancing their readiness and ability to respond promptly to emerging threats. He underlined the importance of joint cooperation with sister services and other security agencies in tackling the prevailing security challenges faced not only by Nigeria but also on a global scale.
The General Officer Commanding stressed that the collective effort of all stakeholders is crucial in addressing security challenges. He expressed his gratitude to the Plateau State Government for providing a conducive environment for the Nigerian Army to carry out its constitutional roles effectively. Major General Abubakar reiterated the Army’s commitment to working in collaboration with other security and collaborating agencies to restore lasting peace and security in the Plateau State region.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Simon Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented by Da Stephen Pam, the Permanent Secretary Securities, acknowledged the paramount importance of training personnel, especially in the face of the current security situation in the state and the nation at large. He lauded the Nigerian Army’s dedication to organizing the annual 3 Division Inter-Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers competition, recognizing it as a testament to their commitment to producing well-trained personnel capable of addressing security challenges in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
Governor Mutfwang, expressed his gratitude to 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven for their significant contributions to achieving peace and stability in the state. He assured the people of Plateau State that his administration would continue to provide unwavering support to ensure the region experiences seamless peace and unity, enabling its residents to enjoy the benefits of democracy.
The overall winner of the competition was 3 Division Garrison Jos, scoring an impressive 470 out of 500 points. 23 Armoured Brigade Yola secured the second position with 400 points, followed by 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi in third place with 390 points. The top-performing formations were duly recognized and rewarded for their exceptional achievements.
