GOC flagoff inter-brigade combat competition, tasks soldiers on fitness

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, has flagged-off inter brigade combat competition and tasked officers and soldiers of the division to improve on their physical fitness to respond to security challenges.

The GOC gave the task in his remarks at the opening ceremony of 6 Division Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2023 in Ibagwa Barracks in Abak on Monday.

Abdussalam, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Lawal.

The GOC said the competition was organised to build the troops’ individual and collective capacities in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.

“The sole objectives of this competition, therefore, are to improve your combat proficiency, physical fitness, enhance your leadership traits, organisational ability, use of initiative and promote esprit de corps amongst participants.

“It is also meant to build the troops’ individual and collective capacities in line with the Command Philosophy of the COAS.

“To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment

“The competition as mentioned earlier in the welcome address, Map Reading Competition, Weapon Handling/Range Classification, Combat Swimming, 5 km combat race and Obstacle Crossing,” Abdussalam said.

Abdussalam added that the competition would be used to identify personnel that will represent the Division in the forthcoming Army level competitions.

He charged the participants to take the competition serious, exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship and learn new things to build their capacity.

The GOC urged the officials to be guided by the rules of the competition, ensure transparency and guide against biased outcomes.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander 2 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, said the current security challenges in the country have brought to fore the need to continuously reinvigorate training and operations, especially in the aspects of physical and leadership training.

He reminded the participants that their physical and mental preparations were of paramount importance and could only be achieved through regular training.

“I am glad to note that all necessary measures for a hitch free competition have been put in place. I therefore urge all participants and officials to take the competition seriously and abide by the rules.

“It is hoped that all competitors will make good use of this opportunity and be worthy ambassadors of their formations and units as well as the Nigerian Army at large,” Chigbu said.

He commended the COAS for providing adequate resources to host the 6 Division Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2023.