As the 2026 Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition drew to a close in Sokoto, 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 issued a stern charge to junior commanders: maintain unwavering combat readiness, physical fitness, and professional competence at all times.
Addressing participating officers at the closing ceremony held at the Giginya Military Cantonment, the GOC emphasised that the primary obligation of every soldier is to be fit to fight. He urged commanders to carry the spirit of the competition back to their units and instil it in their men.
“The soldier, as an individual, is the first weapon of war,” Major General Koughna stated. “The first pillar of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy centres on combat readiness. To lead effectively, junior commanders must sustain peak physical and mental fitness.”
The five-day competition, which brought together multiple formations under the 8 Division, tested participants rigorously on combat skills, physical endurance, technical competence, and task execution under pressure. Highlights included a 10km combat run, a 4x400m relay race, weapons handling, map reading, obstacle crossing, and tactical combat drills.
At the close of the contest, the 8 Division Garrison emerged as overall winners, with 1 Brigade Nigerian Army securing second place and 17 Brigade finishing as runners-up.
The GOC commended all participating formations for their professionalism and competitive spirit, expressing particular satisfaction with the standard of performance on display.
The successful hosting of the 2026 Combat Proficiency Competition underscores the Nigerian Army’s steadfast dedication to realistic training, personnel welfare, and sustained operational readiness across all formations.