By MUHAMMAD NASIR

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

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Paul Koughna, said the competition would test the endurance, discipline and operational preparedness of participating troops.

Koughna, represented by Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Gambari, described training as the foundation of military professionalism and discipline.

“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 further improve the troops’ endurance, physical fitness and operational effectiveness.

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

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

Koughna said the competition was in line with the directive of the Army Headquarters to intensify training, in accordance with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.

He urged participants to adhere strictly to the rules of the competition and charged judges and umpires to ensure fairness and impartiality.

The GOC commended the Headquarters 8 Division Garrison for organising the event and appreciated the support of the Sokoto State Government and residents.

Group photograph of the dignitaries and participants of the 8-Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2026 in Sokoto

Also speaking, the Commander, 8 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Isidore Amah, described the competition as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of troops.

Amah said the event was not merely a contest of skills but a deliberate effort to enhance training, discipline, resilience and tactical proficiency.

He said activities at the competition would include map reading, swimming, drills, endurance runs, weapon handling and other tactical exercises.

According to him, the initiative would help build a cohesive, resilient and combat-ready force while promoting esprit de corps, healthy rivalry and inter-unit cooperation among formations.

Amah commended the GOC for his leadership and urged participants to compete with discipline, sportsmanship and a willingness to learn. (NAN)