From Umar Danladi Ado,Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has launched the 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition to enhance troops’ fitness and combat skills to mitigate challenges in today’s volatile security environment.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bemgba Koughna, further stated that to mitigate the effects of criminal elements, physically fit, combat-ready, and well-motivated troops are critical.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maj.-Gen.Koughna, said the exercise was designed to test the endurance, discipline, and operational preparedness of soldiers.
“This is necessary given the myriad of challenges in today’s volatile security environment. Hostile elements such as armed bandits, kidnappers, as well as cattle rustlers pose serious security challenges to the entire Division Area of Responsibility,” he said.
Koughna, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Ifenna Agba, Commander, 48 Engineering Brigade, described training as the foundation of military professionalism.
“Training is the bedrock of the military profession and the cradle upon which regimentation and discipline are formed. Competitions like this are organised to assess the physical fitness and combat readiness of troops, which is the main objective,” he said.
He added that the exercise would also provide an avenue for soldiers to improve their endurance and overall fitness.
The GOC stated that the current volatile security environment posed serious challenges within the Division’s area of responsibility, stressing the need for well-trained and combat-ready personnel.
“To mitigate the activities of criminal elements, physically fit, combat-ready, and well-motivated troops are critical,” he said.
Koughna further explained that the competition aligns with the directive of Army Headquarters to intensify training activities across formations, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, and resilient force.
He urged participants to adhere strictly to the rules, while calling on umpires and judges to ensure fairness and impartiality throughout the competition.
The GOC commended the host formation, Headquarters 8 Division Garrison, for organising the event at short notice, and appreciated the Sokoto State Government, other security agencies, and residents for their continued support to the military.
In his remarks, the Commander, 8 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Abdulmalik Muhammad, described the week-long event as a strategic initiative to strengthen junior leadership and operational capacity among corporals and below.
“This competition is not merely a contest of skills but a deliberate effort to enhance training, discipline, physical resilience, and tactical proficiency of our personnel,” he said.
Muhammad explained that the activities lined up for the competition include map reading, swimming, drill exercises, endurance runs, weapon handling, and other tactical challenges.
He said the initiative would help build a more cohesive, robust, and combat-ready junior cadre within the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the competition also promotes esprit de corps, healthy rivalry, and inter-unit cooperation among formations.
Muhammad commended the GOC for his leadership and urged participants to compete with discipline, sportsmanship, and a willingness to learn from one another.