NAN-H-38
Army
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, April 25, 2017 (NAN) The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday embarked on proficiency test on weapon handling and military drills as part of its capacity building for its rank and file.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day exercise for corporals and other lower ranking soldiers took place at 9 Brigade of the Army in Lagos.
A total of 212 soldiers were participating in the exercise which also included obstacles crossing, map reading shooting competition, physical fitness and combat swimming.
The soldiers were drawn from 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Division Engineers and 81 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army.
The GOC 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Ebenezer Oyefolu, said at the opening that the exercise was organised to improve the soldiers’ leadership traits.
“Military training is often assumed to produce greater dedication, decisiveness, loyalty, leadership and technical proficiency.
“No matter the sophistication of the weapons and equipment, the mission goals cannot be realised if the users are not trained.
“In effect, training is the critical element that builds and sustains professionalism,’’ he said.
Oyefolu said the exercise was timely in view of the recent casualties recorded when the patrol teams were ambushed at Ijedodo and Ishawo creeks of Lagos.
“The reaction of the troops during these encounters necessitates more intensive training of this nature,’’ the GOC said.
Earlier, the 9 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu, during his welcome address said training remained the bedrock of professionalism.
“The harder one trains in peace time, the less one bleeds in war,’’ said the 9 Brigade Commander. (NAN)
HOB/BOLA/WOJ
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(Edited by Bola Akingbehin / Wale Ojetimi)