The Nigerian Army Guards Brigade Garrison has triumphed in the fiercely contested 2025 Combat Proficiency Competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and readiness in a series of demanding military exercises. Accumulating an impressive 475 points, the Garrison decisively outperformed the 7 Guards Brigade Battalion and the 176 Guards Brigade Battalion, which secured second and third place with 410 and 385 points, respectively. This victory underscores the Garrison’s commitment to maintaining peak combat effectiveness and solidifies their role as a leading force within the Nigerian Army. The competition served as a crucial platform for evaluating and enhancing the capabilities of troops entrusted with the critical responsibilities of presidential protection and safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its surrounding areas.
The week-long competition, commencing on August 18th, presented participants with a rigorous array of challenges designed to assess their proficiency in various combat scenarios. These included combat swimming, demanding both physical prowess and tactical acumen in aquatic environments; skilled arms handling, requiring precision and expertise in utilizing a range of weaponry; map reading and navigation, crucial for strategic movement and operational effectiveness; a grueling 15-kilometer combat drill, testing endurance and resilience under pressure; precision shooting, demanding accuracy and marksmanship under stressful conditions; night navigation, requiring mastery of orienteering in low-visibility situations; and obstacle crossing, challenging agility and problem-solving skills in overcoming physical barriers. These multifaceted exercises provided a comprehensive evaluation of the troops’ combat preparedness.
Major General Aiyenigba, Director of Intelligence, Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, addressed the closing ceremony in Abuja, emphasizing the paramount importance of continuous training in the face of the nation’s evolving security landscape. He underscored that training is not merely a routine activity but a fundamental necessity for any army, especially in times of peace, as it ensures preparedness for potential threats and challenges. Given the complex and ever-changing security dynamics facing Nigeria, continuous improvement and adaptation are not optional but essential for maintaining a robust and effective defense force. The competition served as a tangible demonstration of this commitment to ongoing training and development.
General Aiyenigba further highlighted the expanding role of the Guards Brigade, which has evolved beyond traditional ceremonial duties and presidential protection to encompass the broader security of the FCT and its surrounding areas. This expanded mandate necessitates a heightened state of combat readiness, demanding that personnel maintain proficiency in a wider range of skills and tactics. He stressed the vital importance of continuous training and retraining for mastery in the art of war, emphasizing that complacency can have dire consequences in a rapidly changing security environment. Regular engagement in exercises like the Combat Proficiency Competition is crucial for ensuring that troops remain sharp, adaptable, and capable of effectively responding to any emerging threats.
Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, lauded the competition as a significant milestone in the brigade’s annual training calendar. He emphasized the event’s crucial role in fostering essential qualities among officers, including discipline, resilience, and teamwork. These attributes are not only essential for individual performance but also for the overall effectiveness of the unit, contributing to a cohesive and coordinated force. The competition provides a valuable opportunity to reinforce these qualities, ensuring that the Guards Brigade operates at the highest levels of professionalism and efficiency.
General Onasanya affirmed that the competition’s objectives, which centered on enhancing combat proficiency, organizational ability, endurance, leadership skills, and esprit de corps, were being successfully achieved. The rigorous training and challenging exercises provided a fertile ground for developing these key attributes, contributing to a more capable and cohesive fighting force. The competition, therefore, served not only as a test of current skills but also as a catalyst for growth and improvement, preparing the Guards Brigade for the complex and ever-evolving security challenges facing the nation. The success of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade Garrison in this competition signifies their dedication to these principles and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of combat readiness.
