The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, yesterday declared open the Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2026 in Makurdi to enhance troops’ combat readiness.

Shaibu, who was represented by the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.

-Gen. Moses Gara, said the competition, aimed at tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country, was a hallmark of the Nigerian Army’s collective drive towards excellence, resilience, and combat readiness.

The COAS stated that realistic training was essential in preparing troops to successfully navigate real-time challenges and enhance combat efficiency while carrying out their duties with utmost precision during military operations.

According to him, the competition aligns with his command’s philosophy, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“In pursuit of this mission and the requirement to actualise my vision, I developed a mission statement for special forces.

“To Ensure Precision in Action, Courage in Adversity and Service to the Nation through Progressive Training and Operational Deftness in Projecting the Nigerian Army Special Forces Capabilities in Complex and Unpredictable Environments.”

“This informed the reason why 4 Special Forces Command is the host for this year’s competition. The command is fondly known as the “unconquerable”, as the troops are trained with the mindset that with us, nothing is impossible.

“The command has continued to maintain its mandate by recording significant successes in the various theatres of war.

“The Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition is not merely a contest of strength and endurance, but a deliberate training platform designed to sharpen our troops’ physical conditioning, tactical proficiency and teamwork.

“It embodies the doctrine of ‘train as you fight’, ensuring that our personnel remain agile, adaptable, and combat-ready in all operational environments,” he stated.

Shaibu lauded the Directorate of Army Physical Fitness, which had adequately tutored all the competitors in the extant obstacle-crossing techniques of the Nigerian Army.

He assured that the Nigerian Army was ready to demonstrate its capabilities and uphold the values of courage, discipline, and professionalism.

“We remain committed to the Commander-in-Chief’s vision to have a highly motivated, well-trained, and combat-ready Nigerian Army.

“I wish to express my gratitude to Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and unceasing support to the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo lauded Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue over his support for security agencies and his commitment to promoting peace and development, which had continued to strengthen their collective efforts towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of the people.

Awolo encouraged every competitor to demonstrate discipline, courage, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the event while adhering strictly to all safety regulations.

The commander appreciated the organising committee, officials, instructors, umpires, medical teams, safety personnel, and the numerous support staff whose meticulous planning and tireless efforts made the competition possible.

“Your professionalism exemplifies the high standards expected within the Nigerian Army.

“To our esteemed guests, your presence today greatly inspires our personnel and reinforces the enduring partnership among the Nigerian Army, government, traditional institutions, and the Nigerian people.

“We remain resolute in our constitutional responsibility to safeguard our nation and will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to sustain peace, security, and national development,” Awolo said.

Nine army formations are participating in the competition, which includes 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; and 7 Division, Maiduguri.

Others are 8 Division, Sokoto; 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; 4 Special Forces Command, Doma; and Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja.

The obstacles to cross at the competition include clear jump, 7-foot wall climbing, balancing, and water barbed wire crossing, among others.

From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.

m. on Sunday at the school, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists allegedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct the students.

The statement said alert security personnel immediately engaged the terrorists with coordinated firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) swiftly reinforced the school.

It added that the terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and resistance of the troops and police personnel, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee without abducting any student.

The military disclosed that parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire.

Following the operation, all 46 students in the facility were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical assessment and necessary care.

The military confirmed that all the rescued students were medically stable and that no student was abducted.

However, it expressed regret that some students were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight.

Operation HADIN KAI extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that security measures had been strengthened to protect residents, educational institutions and other critical infrastructure across the North-East.

The military also disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators, while troops and other security agencies had commenced efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists.

Captain Goni reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustain pressure on terrorist groups, dismantle their operational capabilities and ensure the safety of schools and communities across the region.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have apprehended suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of an ISWAP member and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IED) in the last 24 hours across Borno.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said troops of 195 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward, Mafa Local Government Area.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly met with terrorists at Labe village to provide intelligence on troop movements and activities.

It added that troops of 73 Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Konduga Local Government Area after he voluntarily surrendered.

The army said the suspect confessed to participating in three attacks on Delwa and disclosed that he dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before surrendering to troops.

“Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, bicycle repair tools and ₦6,500 cash.

“In another operation, troops of 149 Battalion and CJTF arrested another suspected terrorist informant in Gubio Local Government Area.

“The suspect confessed to leading the June 16 terrorist infiltration of Gubio, during which a CJTF member was killed.

“Meanwhile, troops of 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers near Road Kauji in Damboa Local Government Area.

“The suspects fled on sighting troops, abandoning two bicycles, cartons of energy drinks, milk, soft drinks, veterinary medicines and a canopy,” it said.

The army said that troops of 26 Task Force Brigade discovered and safely detonated an IED planted by terrorists in a farming area around Dagari in Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.

It said the operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks, deny insurgents freedom of movement and improve security across the North-East.