By Monday Ijeh
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, says the Inter Unit Skill at Arms Competition of the brigade is a demonstration of excellence and operational readiness.
Onasanya said this in Abuja at the 2026 edition of the annual competition.
According to him, the Guard Brigade Inter-Unit Skill at Arms Competition marks the beginning of competitive training activities at the Guard Brigade for Year 2026.
“The competition embodies the brigade’s commitment to excellence and operational readiness.
“This aligns with one of the implementation guidelines of professional excellence, the pillar II of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.”
He explained that the the pillar II emphasised the need to strengthen regimentation, teamwork, and esprit de corps as enduring hallmarks of military professionalism.
“This resonates very well with us in Guard Brigade, as we are always guided by the importance of regimentation and teamwork in the discharge of our peculiar responsibilities,” he added.
Onasanya also said that the Guard Brigade had tradition of discipline and professionalism, adding that the competition would provide an avenue to showcase the skills of its personnel.
He further said that the competition was a platform for the various units to demonstrate proficiency, foster esprit de corps and push boundaries.
According to him, it reinforces our ethos, discipline, courage, and excellence.
“However, the competition with the ultimate goal of effective training remains the focus behind this exercise.
“The Chief Guard and his team of umpires, who are all from outside Guard Brigade, are prepared to ensure very fair officiating.”
The commander commended the organising committee and participants in the competition for their dedication.
He urged the participants to strive for excellence, uphold sportsmanship, and celebrate the spirit of competition.
In his closing remark, the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, commended the Guards Brigade for organising the competition.
He said the competition was indeed a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of personnel of the brigade.
“This event has showcased the Guards Brigade’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of military service, and it has been a great honour for me to be here today.
“It is a pointer to how committed the leadership of the brigade, as well as all the officers and gallant soldiers of this elite brigade, are to realistic training in the Nigerian Army.
“This attitude also perfectly aligns with the Army Equipment Training Directive 2026, as well as the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
“The philosophy is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force,” he said.
He explained that the Army Equipment Training Directive 2026 was a force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that units participated in the competition with 177 Guards Brigade Battalion emerging first in position.
Other units that participated were 7 Guards Brigade Battalion, 102 Guards Brigade Battalion, 176 Guards Brigade Battalion, and the Guards Brigade Garrison. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
