The Nigerian Army 8 Division, Sokoto, on Monday began its 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition to enhance troops’ physical fitness and combat readiness.

Speaking at the opening, the general officer commanding eighth division, Bemgba Koughna, said the exercise would test soldiers’ endurance, discipline, and operational preparedness.

Mr Koughna described training as the foundation of military professionalism.

“Training is the bedrock of the military profession and the cradle upon which regimentation and discipline are formed. Competitions like this assess troops’ physical fitness and combat readiness, which remains the primary objective,” he said.

He said the exercise would also help soldiers improve endurance and overall fitness.

The GOC noted that the volatile security environment posed serious challenges within the division’s area of responsibility, underscoring the need for combat-ready personnel.

“To mitigate criminal activities, physically fit, combat-ready and well-motivated troops are critical,” he said.

Mr Koughna said the competition aligns with the army headquarters’ directive to intensify training, in line with the chief of army staff’s command philosophy.

He urged participants to strictly follow the rules, while calling on judges and umpires to ensure fairness and impartiality.

The GOC commended headquarters eighth division garrison for organising the event at short notice and appreciated support from the Sokoto government and residents.

The commander of the eighth division garrison, Abdulmalik Muhammad, described the event as a strategic initiative to strengthen junior leadership and operational capacity.

“This competition is not merely a contest of skills but a deliberate effort to enhance training, discipline, resilience and tactical proficiency,” he said.

Mr Muhammad said activities include map reading, swimming, drills, endurance runs, weapon handling and other tactical challenges.

He added that the initiative would build a cohesive, robust and combat-ready junior cadre within the army.

According to him, the competition promotes esprit de corps, healthy rivalry and inter-unit cooperation among formations.

Mr Muhammad commended the GOC’s leadership and urged participants to compete with discipline, sportsmanship and a willingness to learn. 

(NAN)