From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

In a resounding display of military prowess, the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ilorin has emerged victorious in the highly competitive 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below competition, held at the 12 Brigade headquarters in Charimaigumeri Barracks, Lokoja.

The participating brigades include 4 Brigade Benin, 12 Brigade Lokoja, 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, 42 Engineer Brigade Ede and 2 Division Garrison Ibadan.

Our Correspondent reports that the five-day competition was designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork among soldiers.

Announcing the result at the closing ceremony, the Chief Judge of the Competition, Col. Adeniyi Adebayo, said 22 Bde emerged first position with a cumulative points of 430; while 12 Bde came second with 400 points; and 42 Engineer Bde clinched third position with 380 points.

The 32 Bde got fourth position with 360; 4 Bde came fifth with 350 points; while 2 Div. Garrison clinched sixth position with 330 points, and was awarded with the Wooden Spoon.

In his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, NA, Maj. -Gen. Obinna Onubogu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the participants for their passion, doggedness, dexterity, skills and professionalism.

According to him, the glamorous outing is in no doubt a culmination of hard work, discipline and resourcefulness put in at various levels of preparation by the various contingents.

“Most importantly, purposeful training which is the bedrock of military professionalism was the catalyst to what we have witnessed during the competition.

“With this, let me remind all that, we must continue to train ourselves so that we can develop the required capability in our troops to handle every challenge thrown at them by the security environment.

“Therefore, the just concluded competition is not only timely but key in improving the combat readiness of our soldiers within 2 Division AOR.

“It behooves all of us not to rest on their oars, but start preparing for future competitions,” Gen Onubogu said.

The GOC assured that the Division would continue to pursue its training schedules in order to perfect on current Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and as well acquire new ones with a view to realizing the COAS Command Philosophy.

Which is “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”.

He promised that the areas of observed weaknesses would be strengthened and those areas of strength would be consolidated upon.

The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his continued support to the Division in the provision of adequate resources for all training activities.

“My appreciation also goes to the Chief Judge and his team for a job well done.

“I sincerely commend the host formation 12 Brigade and organizers for successfully organizing and conducting this year’s 2 Div. Inter-Division Corporals and Below Competition.

“To all our invited guests, your presence and support are appreciated. We thank you for honoring our invitation,” the GOC said.

Earlier, the Commander 12 Bde, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, said the competition has prepared corporals and below for more challenging responsibilities.

He commended the soldiers for their inspiring display of courage, teamwork, resilience and military professionalism, qualities that defined not only exceptional soldiers but extraordinary individuals.

“This competition was not just about winning trophies or earning bragging rights. It was about sharpening our skills, strengthening our bonds, and reinforcing the culture of excellence that defines the Nigerian Army.

“What we have witnessed here is a reminder that every soldier regardless of rank has a critical role to play in operational success.

“You faced gruelling challenges, pushed past limits, and showcased the power of teamwork and perseverance. Carry this spirit forward, it is the foundation of greatness”, he said

The commander appreciated the GOC for his visionary leadership and continued commitment to building a force that is not only combat-ready but also grounded in discipline and professionalism.

He noted that the competition has boosted the COAS Command Philosophy: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

“This competition has brought us one step closer to that goal.

“As we depart to our various locations, I leave you with this adage ‘Strength does not come from winning, your struggles develop your strength’.

“You have all grown stronger here. Go forth with pride, knowing you have honoured your teams, formations and the Division.  

“May the lessons learned here continue to guide our training and operational engagements,” the commander said.

The event was attended by heads of sister security agencies such as the Commander NNS Lugard, Commodore Tamuno Senibo; Director of Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Commissioner of Police, representatives of NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Correctional Service, and Fire Service, among others.