The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, on Friday said the need for personnel fitness in the fight against insecurity.

Mr Olatoye emphasised this at the conclusion of a six-day inter-brigade combat proficiency competition, held at the 34 Artillery Brigade barracks, Obinze, near Owerri.

Officers from five formations within the 82 Division participated in the events which include map reading, weapon handling, obstacle crossing, combat swimming and 10 Km half cross country.

The formations were 13 Brigade, 14 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 44 Engineering Brigade and 82 Division.

Mr Olatoye, represented by Brig.-Gen. Solomon Julius, said that the primary aim of the event was to improve fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork and competitiveness for optimal performance of soldiers.

He said, “The Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition is aimed at checking the state of readiness of officers in commanding men in the battlefield to enable them battle and dismantle the enemy and keep the nation safe.’’

The GOC added that competition promotes “espirit de corps” among troops, as well as prepares them to successfully undertake their tasks of defending Nigeria.

He eulogised the officers for competing favourably, encouraging them to keep on defending the nation with the best of their abilities.

Earlier, the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abbas said that the competitors had gone through rigorous training in their various formations for a period of not less than two months.

Mr Abbas noted that the ebullience, discipline and teamwork demonstrated by the officers during the competition were “marks of dedication that define the Nigerian Army.”

He thanked the GOC, heads of security agencies in the state and representatives of the state government for attending the event which he described as “wonderful.”

The outstanding competitors were rewarded with awards and trophies, while the 34 Artillery brigade emerged the overall winner. 

(NAN)