By Chinedu Anolie/Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has pledged to sustain and strengthen its physical fitness and sports development programmes across formations, in spite of increasing operational demands across the country.
The Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, said this at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Guards Brigade Inter-Unit Sports Competition in Abuja on Friday.
Umar said that physical fitness remained central to the Army’s operational efficiency and discipline.
He also noted that while troops continued to face demanding operational deployments, deliberate efforts must be made to ensure that fitness training was not compromised.
According to him, sports and structured physical activities remain critical tools for building endurance, teamwork, and resilience within units.
He said the competition underscored the importance of maintaining high fitness standards as a core component of combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
Umar also emphasised that the gains recorded during the competition must be sustained through continuous training and unit-level sporting engagements rather than being limited to annual events.
He commended the level of participation and discipline displayed by troops, describing it as a reflection of the army’s professionalism and cohesion.
He urged commanders at all levels to institutionalise regular fitness activities, noting that operational effectiveness was closely tied to physical and mental preparedness.
He further highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, commending participating security agencies for their involvement in invitational relay events.
He said such engagements promoted synergy, trust, and improved coordination among security stakeholders within the Federal Capital Territory.
Similarly, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said the competition was designed not only to enhance physical fitness but also to strengthen “Esprit De Corps” among units.
He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining sports as part of its training and welfare architecture.
He reiterated that fitness development remained a standing priority, even as troops continue to balance training with ongoing operational commitments nationwide.
The competition, which commenced on May 11, featured various sporting activities designed to test endurance and build camaraderie among troops drawn from different units.
Events featured at the closing ceremony include swimming finals for male and female categories, football finals, combat relay events, and invitational relay races involving sister security agencies.
Highlights of the programme also include the presentation of trophies, medals and souvenirs to outstanding units.
The participating units are the Guards Brigade Garrison, which emerged overall winner; 7 Guards Battalion, 102 Guard Battalion, 176 Guards Battalion and 177 Guards Battalion.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
