The 1 Division, Nigerian Army Inter-Brigade competition commenced in Kano on Monday and participants were drawn from three brigades under the division.

The proficiency competition is for personnel from the ranks of corporal and below.

The participants are drawn from 1Division Garrison, Kaduna; 31Artilary Brigade, Minna, Niger and the host, 3 Brigade, Kano.

They will compete for honours in drills, weapons handling, map reading and obstacle crossings.

According to the General Officer Commanding of the division, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, the aim of the competition is to test the efficiency, endurance and mental capacity of the participants.

Mr Saraso, who declared open the four-day competition, added that the event would test the physical fitness of the soldiers and their readiness to counter security challenges.

The GOC, represented by commander, 3 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Musa Sadik, said that the event could not have come at a better time than now when there were growing concerns on the numerous security challenges facing the nation.

“The current security challenges have brought to the fore the need to continuously reinvigorate our training and operations, especially physical and leadership training,” he added.

Earlier, the brigade commander said that the competition would provide opportunity for the soldiers to meet their counterparts within the division’s area of responsibility.

He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing necessary resources for the competition.

The brigade commander urged the soldiers to compete fairly and be good ambassadors of their brigades.

(NAN)