By Rabiu Sani-Ali
The Nigerian Army has urged troops to maintain high standards of professionalism and battle readiness through rigorous training exercises, to counter terrorism and emerging security threats.
Maj.-Gen. WM Dangana, Commanding Officer (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army, said this at the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of 3 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition, on Friday in Bauchi.
The 5-day long competition is being hosted by the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi.
Dangana, who is also the Commander, Joint Taskforce Operation Enduring Peace, described discipline, physical fitness, and tactical competence as the bedrock of operational success against security threats.
He said that the competition provided a platform to test troops’ competence, and prepare them to tackle security challenges bedevilling parts of the country.
“The essence is to train, competitions are other ways of training and test the level of their competences.
“The army is a professional army, and as such we must keep training. We train hard so that we can fight easily.
“Based on what I’ve seen, I’m confident with their competence. It’s work in progress, and I was impressed with their performances.
“The competence, camaraderie, esprit-de-corps and teamwork displayed here, they will take that to the field and execute the task properly,” he said.
Dangana commended the troops and the organising committee for the successful conduct of the competition.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the quality leadership and viable initiatives aimed at transforming the army.
While commending the Bauchi state government for its support, Dangana also thanked residents of the state for their continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies.
Also, Brig.-Gen. SS Shehu, Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, said the competition displayed that the spirit of the army remained unshaken to confront security threats.
Shehu said that the army accorded a premium on tactical excellence and war-fighting readiness of the troops.
He said that the competition provided a vital platform for testing and enhancing the combat readiness, physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and professional competence of the troops.
The commander charged the troops to sustain the training tempo, and use the lesson learnt to improve their competencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the troops competed in tug-of-war, weapon handling, combat swimming, map reading and obstacle crossing.
The participants were drawn from the 6 Brigade Jalingo, 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, 3 Division Garrison Jos, and 43 Engineering Brigade Jos.
The 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, emerged the overall winner, while 3 Division Garrison Jos, came second, and the 43 Engineering Brigade Jos, secured third position.
Highlights of the event featured presentation of trophies and prizes to the winners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba