THE Nigerian Army says that its combat proficiency competition aims to prepare troops for battle readiness to tackle terrorism and other emerging security threats in the country.
Brig.-Gen. SS Shehu, Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks, stated this during the inauguration of the 2026 edition of 3 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency competition, on Monday in Bauchi.
He said the armed forces accorded a premium on tactical excellence and war-fighting readiness of the troops.
Shehu said the competition provided a vital platform for testing and enhancing the combat readiness, physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and professional competence of the subalterns.
2026 edition of 3 Division Combat Proficiency competition, Shawanka Barracks Bauchi
“It is also a deliberate, standards-based assessment of the core competencies that define a professional warfighter, that is, marksmanship, tactical movement, endurance under duress, battlefield first aid and above all, the mental agility to prevail when contact is made with a determined adversary.
“Beyond this competition, the event provides an opportunity to strengthen esprit de corps, foster healthy rivalry and further consolidate the bonds of camaraderie among formations and sister agencies in 3 Division’s area of responsibility.
“In an era of hybrid threats, asymmetric warfare, and rapidly evolving battlefields, the soldier who wins today is the soldier who trains hardest when no one is watching. Hence, this arena is where that training is put to the proof.
“This is not about individual glory but about raising the collective fighting power of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
According to Shehu, the presence of heads of sister security agencies at the event is a demonstration of the strong partnership and mutual support between the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders in maintaining peace and security in the state.
He charged the troops to compete with determination, discipline, courage, and the highest standard of military professionalism.
Tug-of-war in the 2026 edition of 3 Division Combat Proficiency competition, Shawanka Barracks Bauchi
Gov. Bala Mohammed, who inaugurated the competition, lauded the synergy between the army and security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state.
Represented by Sani Mohammed, Security Adviser on Security, Mohammed pledged continued support to the army to enable it to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about five teams drawn from the brigades under 3 Division are participating in the five-day competition.
The teams would compete in tug-of-war; weapon handling, map reading, combat swimming, and obstacle crossing.
They included 6 Brigade Jalingo; 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, 3 Division Garrison Jos, and 43 Engineering Brigade Jos.
Highlights of the first-day of the competition featured a tug-of-war, in which the 33 Artillery Brigade clinched the first position with 100 points.
While 23 Armoured Brigade Yola came second with 90 points and 3 Division Garrison secured third position with 80 points. (NAN)
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Tags: Army Proficiency competition
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