Air Commodore Emeng Imoke, Commander of the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Camp Abuja, has urged military personnel to persevere and intensify training to overcome national security threats. He made the appeal on Monday while speaking at the opening of the Army Headquarters Garrison Corporals and Below Competition 2026 in Abuja. Imoke described the competition as timely and vital for reinforcing progress in ongoing security operations against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism. He stressed that training for junior ranks was essential for discipline, professionalism, and operational readiness in the armed forces. The event aligns with the Chief of the Army Staff's transformation agenda to build a combat-ready, resilient force capable of joint operations, he said.
Imoke emphasized that the training enhances technical skills, leadership, and professional competence necessary for effective military performance. "This training could not have come at a better time as we continue to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency, banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges," he stated. He paid tribute to troops on the front lines, acknowledging their courage and sacrifices, including those who died in service. He called for sustained discipline, comradeship, and integrity throughout the competition. Maj.-Gen. Williams Dangana, represented by Brig.-Gen. Peter Elayo, noted the competition includes drill, skill-at-arms, physical fitness, combat proficiency, and navigation exercises. These activities reflect core military competencies and promote teamwork, endurance, and excellence among junior soldiers.
Air Commodore Imoke urges troops to train harder to defeat enemies, yet the same forces have been engaged in similar training cycles for years without decisive shifts in security outcomes. The Corporals and Below Competition has been held annually, but regions like the Northeast and Northwest remain unstable despite repeated emphasis on readiness. Nigerians in conflict zones continue to bear the cost of a security approach that prioritises drills over deliverables. No number of competitions can substitute for tangible results on the ground.
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