The 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Ilorin, has triumphed in the fiercely contested Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below competition, hosted by the 12 Brigade at the Charimaigumeri Barracks in Lokoja. This annual event, a cornerstone of the division’s training regimen, saw participation from six brigades: 4 Brigade (Benin), 12 Brigade (Lokoja), 22 Armoured Brigade (Ilorin), 32 Artillery Brigade (Akure), 42 Engineer Brigade (Ede), and 2 Division Garrison (Ibadan). The competition, spanning five rigorous days, served as a crucial platform for evaluating and enhancing the soldiers’ combat proficiency, leadership qualities, and ability to operate effectively within a team. The demanding trials tested the participants’ physical and mental fortitude, pushing them to their limits while fostering esprit de corps and a shared sense of purpose.
The 22 Armoured Brigade, representing Ilorin, emerged as the overall champions of the competition, accumulating an impressive 430 points. Their exceptional performance showcased a high degree of preparedness and mastery of the skills tested. Trailing closely behind were the host brigade, 12 Brigade (Lokoja), securing the second position with 400 points, followed by the 42 Engineer Brigade (Ede) in third place with 380 points. The 32 Artillery Brigade (Akure) secured the fourth spot with 360 points, while the 4 Brigade (Benin) came in fifth with 350 points. The 2 Division Garrison (Ibadan) finished in sixth place with 330 points, receiving the symbolic “Wooden Spoon.” The final standings reflected not only individual brilliance but also the collective effort and training emphasis within each brigade.
Major-General Obinna Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, graced the closing ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour. He commended all participants for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and display of professional military conduct throughout the competition. The GOC emphasized the significance of continuous training and development as the cornerstone of military excellence, highlighting its role in equipping soldiers to effectively address the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. He lauded the competition as a timely and essential exercise in enhancing the combat readiness of the troops within the 2 Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR). He urged the soldiers to build upon the momentum gained from the competition and to maintain a proactive approach towards future training endeavors.
General Onubogu reiterated the 2 Division’s commitment to adhering to its training schedules, ensuring the troops are proficient in current Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) while also incorporating new knowledge and strategies. He underscored the division’s alignment with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) command philosophy, which emphasizes the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated and combat-ready force capable of effectively fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment. The GOC pledged to address any identified weaknesses observed during the competition while further consolidating the strengths displayed. He expressed gratitude to Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the COAS, for his steadfast support in providing the necessary resources for the division’s training activities.
Brigadier-General Kasim Sidi, the Commander of 12 Brigade, echoed the GOC’s sentiments, highlighting the competition’s role in preparing the corporals and below for greater responsibilities within the army. He praised the soldiers for their exemplary display of courage, teamwork, resilience, and professionalism, qualities that distinguish exceptional soldiers. Brigadier-General Sidi emphasized that the competition transcended mere accolades; it aimed to hone skills, strengthen bonds, and reinforce the culture of excellence within the Nigerian Army. He underscored the importance of every soldier’s contribution to operational success, regardless of rank, and encouraged them to maintain the spirit of perseverance demonstrated throughout the competition.
Brigadier-General Sidi expressed appreciation to the GOC for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to developing a force characterized by both combat readiness and adherence to discipline and professionalism. He noted that the competition effectively reinforced the COAS command philosophy, bringing the division closer to its goal of creating a highly motivated and combat-ready force. The commander concluded by reminding the participants that strength is forged through challenges and urged them to carry the lessons learned forward, applying them to future training and operational engagements. The inter-brigade competition served as a vital platform for assessing and enhancing the combat readiness of the 2 Division’s soldiers, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the Nigerian Army’s values and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.
