By Stephen Adeleye

The 22 Armoured Brigade (Bde) Ilorin, Nigerian Army (NA), has won the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2025, hosted by the 12 Brigade Headquarters, 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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day competition, which began on Monday April 7, was designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork among soldiers.

Announcing the result at the closing ceremony on Friday, the Chief Judge of the Competition, Col. Adeniyi Adebayo, said 22 Armoured Brigade emerged winners with a cumulative point of 430.

12 Bde came second with 400 points while 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 preparations 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.

“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 behoves on all of us not to rest on their oars, but start preparing for future competitions,” 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 realising the COAS Command Philosophy.

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.

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

He commended the soldiers for their inspiring display of courage, teamwork, resilience and military professionalism.

“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.

He 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 added: “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,” 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika