Defence, Security
THE Nigerian Army has tasked warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers under the 8 Division, Sokoto to uphold discipline, leadership, sportsmanship and professional excellence.
The GOC 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bemgba Koughna, made the call at the opening of the 2026 Inter-Brigade competition of the 8 Division held in Katsina.
Koughna, who is also the Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation Fansan Yamma, was represented by the Chief of Staff, 17 Brigade, Col. Nehemiah Yakubu.
Koughna further described the exercise as a platform for strengthening camaraderie, enhancing physical fitness and promoting healthy rivalry among troops.
He said the competition was designed to sharpen the leadership abilities of senior non-commissioned officers while helping formations identify and address operational and administrative gaps observed during previous editions.
Koughna noted that exceptional performers would be selected to represent the division in subsequent military competitions later in the year.
He explained that the brigade had been heavily engaged in security operations following the recent killing of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information.
“We are all very much aware of the incident that occurred, which we are not taking lightly, and that has made our troops and senior officers to be out ensuring that justice is done for what happened,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, described the competition as a vital annual event aimed at deepening professionalism and teamwork within the Nigerian Army.
Represented by the Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Okorie Obasi, Ibrahim said the exercise promotes discipline, strengthens relationships among personnel and encourages sportsmanship among troops.
“The aim of the competition is to foster discipline, interrelationship and sportsmanship among troops. I wish you a successful outing,” he said.
The week-long competition, hosted by the Headquarters 17 Brigade, brings together formations under the 8 Division, including the 1 Brigade, Gusau; 17 Brigade, Katsina; 8 Division Garrison, Sokoto; and the 48 Engineer Brigade and affiliated units.
(NAN)
W.U
June 16, 2026
Tags: Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim Lt.-Col. Okorie Obasi Maj.-Gen. Bemgba Koughna