The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2025, has commenced in Kogi, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s training activities to promote team spirit, professionalism and readiness within the division.
The 2025 edition of the weeklong competition is being hosted by the Headquarters 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Charimaigumeri Barracks Lokoja.
In his welcome address, the Commander 12 Brigade, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, said the competition was aimed to improve leadership and team spirit among corporals and below, preparing them for more challenging responsibilities.
According to him, this year’s competition, will run for five days, featuring a range of exercises designed to test soldiers’ skills in areas such as drill, skill at arms, map reading, combat swimming, endurance/obstacle training, and shooting.
The commander noted that six formations and units from 2 Division are participating in the competition, and has also provided room for more participation by female soldiers, to promote diversity and inclusivity.
He emphasised that the competition aimed to improve teamwork, organizational ability, and initiative among corporals and below, aligning with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
“As the Nigerian Army continues to professionalize, training has continued to assume greater emphasis. Fortunately, at this point in time time, we have a Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General OO Oluyede who has made training a key objective in his command philosophy.
“To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.
“Accordingly, the Chief of Army Staff has supported us fully by making available resources required for effective training,” he said
Brig. Gen. Sidi stressed that the Nigerian Army’s training activities were designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork among soldiers, saying, “the only way to bleed less in wartime is to sweat more in peacetime.
The commander 12 Bde also commended the competing formations for their efforts in preparing their soldiers for the competition.
In his remarks, the Special guest of honour, Rear Admiral Mohammed Yakubu, Commander Command Naval Drafting, who declared the competition open, described the event a significant milestone not just for the Nigerian Army but also the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to him, the competition brings together soldiers from various brigades to engage in friendly competition, fostering a spirit of unity, discipline, and excellence.
Yakubu commended the 12 Brigade’s leadership for demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing the professionalism of military personnel, particularly at the grassroots level, ensuring security in Kogi State.
He stressed that the improved security situation in the state was a testament to the concerted efforts of the 12 Brigade and other sister agencies.
“The competition is not just a test of physical strength or skills but also a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s core values, including courage, integrity, and teamwork.
“Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities, strengthen their bonds, and contribute to the continued success of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Rear Admiral Yakubu urged participants to give their best, not just for personal glory but for the honor of their respective brigades.
He emphasised that the competition provides a unique opportunity for soldiers to demonstrate their skills, learn from one another, and build resilience required to overcome challenges in the future.
The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2025 is a significant event in the Nigerian Army’s training calendar, promoting teamwork, professionalism, and readiness among soldiers.
The competition serves as a platform for soldiers to showcase their skills and compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship”.
The competition is expected to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork among soldiers, aligning with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy of leadership, operational effectiveness, and sound administration.
The participating brigades include: 4 Brigade Benin, 12 Brigade Lokoja, 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, 42 Engineer Brigade Ede and 2 Division Garrison Ibadan.
The event was attended by heads of sister security agencies such as the Commander NNS Lugard, Commodore Tamuno Senibo; representstives of Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Correctional Services, and Fire Services, among others.
