The 8 division of the Nigerian Army has amongst other constitutional responsibilities, prepared officers at the battle front to proficiently gear up towards defeating banditry and other criminal activities bedeviled the area of it’s responsibilities in the country.
This was heralded by the Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI (JTF NW OPHD), Brig Gen IA Ajose during the opening ceremony of the 8 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition, one of the activities lined up in the NA Forecast of Events for the Year 2024.
The event was hosted by 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and also intended to prepare the participating officers for battle readiness in view of the present security challenges confronting the country.
According to the Acting GOC, the competition is aimed at boosting leadership skills, espirit-de-corps and professional competence, as well as preparing officers for higher responsibilities, a featuring map reading, combat swimming, weapon handling and obstacle crossing.
Brig General Ajose has opined that the Division is living up to expectations in organizing this year’s exercise in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy which is, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
The GOC, while declaring the competition open at the 26 Battalion Parade Ground, said this year’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition will be more effective and challenging than the previous ones, because more efforts are put in place for the conduct of the competition as well as preparations made by the participating formations.
He charged all participants to put in their best to derive maximum benefits from the competition and also make their various formations proud.
He further stated that training has remained a fundamental precursor for all military operations, adding that troops’ performance in peace and wartime is a direct result of the qualities of training received, which he described as a veritable tool that guarantees enhanced military professionalism.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Host, Commander 1 Brigade and Sector 1 JTF NW OPHD, Brig Gen TM Opurum, listed the requirement outlined to test competing formations for this year’s competition, noting that the requirements will provide an avenue for improving the combat proficiency and readiness of junior commanders to showcase their leadership skills.
