Nigeria Army organises inter-brigade competition on military skills

The Headquarters, 3 Division Nigerian Army, has organised an inter-brigade competition for soldiers from the ranks of corporal and below.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the four-day competition, which kicked off in Jos on Tuesday, will involve drilling, map reading, live firing, weapon handling and obstacle crossing.
NAN also reports that the competition is the first in five years, after the last that was held in 2013.
In a brief speech at the opening ceremony, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Ahanotu, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, said that the event, usually held every year, was suspended because of counter-insurgency operations in the North-Eastern.
He said that the event was revived to foster sportsmanship among soldiers and improve team spirit toward effective discharge of duties.
The GOC, who was represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said that the competition was to demonstrate various modules of training and improve standard of operations.
Abdullahi said: “The competition is to put into practice training acquired in formations and units within the Division and improve their skills.
“The Army forms an integral part of the society in defending the country’s territorial integrity and requires constant review through competitions.”
He advised participants to exhibit standards required of them so as to reflect the core values of excellence expected of the Army.
Also speaking, Col. Nicodemus Awobi, the Chief Umpire of the event, said that participants would be graded on their appearance and competitive skills, while defaulters would be penalized.
NAN reports that four divisions – 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, 53 Signal Brigade, 3 Div Garrison and 43 Div Engineers – all based in Jos, are participating in the competition.