82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu has emerged winner of the 2022 Inter-Formation Platoon Combat Swimming Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event, held at old slave village, Badagry, Lagos, ended on Thursday.
NAN reports that the 82 Division scored 130 marks and finished the swimming championship in two minutes 24 seconds to beat 1 Division Kaduna, who scored 130 and finished swimming in two minutes 28 seconds.
NAN also reports that 2 Division Ibadan came third with 110 marks having finished at two minutes 26 seconds.
The eight army Divisions that participated in the competition were 1 Division Kaduna; 2 Division Ibadan; 3 Division Jos; 6 Division Port Harcourt; 81 Division Lagos; 82 Division Enugu; 8 Division Sokoto; and Nigerian Army Headquarters, Garrison, Abuja.
NAN reports that the 8 Division Sokoto was awarded the Wooden Spoon prize for participating in the championship in spite of short notice, though they came last in the competition.
NAN reports that the competition, which started on November 28, 2022 at the National Stadium, Lagos with conventional swimming, ended at Old Slave Village, Badagry with combat swimming.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, said the objective of the competition was to enhance the operational readiness of troops to combat contemporary security challenges facing the nation.
Yahaya said that the competition was to enhance their strength, tackle the fight against insurgency and other security challenges bedevilling the country.
He said: “The competition couldn’t have come at a better time considering the various security challenges in your area of responsibility and the country in general.
“The precarious security situation has no doubt presented us with the opportunity of checking the activities of the crimes perpetrators through continuous training of our officers and men.”
Yahaya, who was represented by Brigadier General E.O. Fawole, the acting Director, Physical Training of the Nigerian Army, congratulated all the participants.
He added: “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the participants for the competitive spirit of sportsmanship you exhibited over the four days.
“Judging from the remarks of the Chief Judge and comments of the observers, it is evident that the various formations have made commendable efforts at preparing their various teams for the championship.
“I am, therefore, impressed with the military bearings, stamina and endurance exhibited by various formations.”
Yahaya said training is the bedrock of any fighting force.
He said: “It is believed that the skills you displayed would assist to improve leadership skills, promote espirit de corps and boost your morale.
“It is better to sweat more during peace time so that you will bleed less during war.”
Yahaya commended the winner of the championship and urged the other formations not to relent in their efforts so as to win next time.