By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
As the 8 Division Nigeria Army 2026 Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency competition comes to an end, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has challenged Junior commanders of the Division to always maintain unmatched combat readiness in addition to physical fitness as well as professional competence.
The GOC, while admonishing participating junior officers to take back the spirit of the 8 Division Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition and transform it into their men, added that the first most important requirement of any soldier is to be fit to fight.
The rigorious competition hosted by the 8 Division Garrison at the Giginya Military Cantonment in Sokoto, saw the 8 Division Garrison emerged as the overall winner while 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army secured the second position, and 17 Brigade finished as the runner-up.
Recall that the 5 days competition brought together multiple formations under the 8 Division to evaluate the operational capabilities of junior commanders, as they were rigorously tested on combat skills, physical endurance, technical competence, and ability to execute tasks effectively under pressure.
Key highlights of the exercise included a 10km combat run, a 4x400m combat relay race, range weapon handling, map reading, obstacle crossing, and various tactical combat drills.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, 8 Division General Officer Commanding, (GOC) Major General Koughna reminded officers that the first pillar of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy centers on combat readiness.
"The soldier, as an individual, is the first weapon of war, and the primary requirement of any soldier is to be "fit to fight. Therefore to effectively lead men, it fundamentally requires junior commanders to maintain peak physical and mental fitness", the GOC submitted.
While tasking participating officers to internalize the experiences gained during the competition, the GOC also admonished them to carry the lessons back to their respective units and translate them into improved performance during both routine and operational duties.
Talking of how impressed he was with the performances, the GOC commended all participating formations for their competitive spirit and outstanding display of professionalism.
The successful execution of the 2026 Combat Proficiency Competition reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to realistic training, personnel welfare, and sustained operational readiness across all its formations. NNL.
