Over 500 Female Soldiers Trained On Weapon Proficiency

Rabiu Omaku

Over 500 Female Soldiers were trained on firing competition at Shitu Alao 177 Guard Brigade in Keffi Local Government of Nasarawa State.

The flagging-off a 3-day maiden firing competition is first of its kind meant for women military personnel from Abuja barracks and its environs.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Burutai while declaring the event open said the shooting competition was an avenue for training aimed at upgrading the skills of the female personnel in weapon proficiency.

The COAS represented by Brig-Gen John Ochai, Director of Campaign Planning at the army headquarters, commended women army for performing well during the recent general elections and in the northwest.

Adding that Nigerian army women have distinguished themselves during many operations and encouraged them to keep the flag flying at all times.

The acting Commander, Nigeria Army Women Corps, Brigadier Preye Fakrogba disclosed that the competition is the first of its kind in the history of the Nigerian army.

Gen.Fakrogha said one of the objectives of the shooting was to ensure effective utilization of the potential of female personnel to support Nigerian army operations.

According to him, some of the objectives of the firing competition are to teach the women the fundamentals of marksmanship which include trigger control and increase the confidence of the personnel.

He, however, maintained that the training would also improve a well-balanced posture which in turn increases shooter’s accuracy, speed, mobility, stamina, strength, and dexterity.

Fakrogha commended General Buratai for creating the female Corps unit in the army, ask for more opportunity for the female personnel to participate in both local and international shooting competitions.

The female soldiers supported by their male folks were trained on how to use 20 rounds of animation within 35 seconds in a distance of 200 meters at the first lapsed of the competition.