THE General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Mohammed-Wase, says the country’s current security challenges require commanders who are professionally competent, physically fit and mentally prepared.
Mohammed-Wase, who is also the Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force, North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, stated this on Monday in Kano at the opening ceremony of the 2026 1 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition.
The GOC, represented by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Brig.-Gen. Opurum, said the annual exercise was designed to sharpen troops’ skills and improve their capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
He said the competition was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Mohammed-Wase added that the exercise would provide an opportunity for officers from participating formations to demonstrate their proficiency in physical fitness, leadership, tactical competence, mental alertness and ability to operate effectively under pressure.
According to him, the competition involves three formations under the division: 1 Division Garrison, 3 Brigade and 31 Artillery Brigade, competing in four events.
“The events are weapon handling and combat shooting, map reading, endurance run and obstacle crossing, as well as combat swimming.
“The competition is aimed at improving leadership skills, organisational ability and initiative, while promoting esprit de corps among troops in preparation for enhanced performance in battle,” he said.
The GOC noted that the nation’s current security environment required commanders who were not only professionally competent but also physically and mentally prepared to confront complex operational challenges.
He described the competition as a vital platform for improving the resilience and combat proficiency required by officers in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Mohammed-Wase urged participating formations to uphold the values of loyalty, discipline and integrity, adding that the objective of the exercise was beyond winning to improving individual and collective operational capabilities.
“To the participating officers, I encourage you to see this competition as an opportunity to test yourselves, learn from one another and identify areas requiring further improvement,” he advised.
He commended troops operating in various theatres for their efforts in ensuring peace and stability in the country, attributing improvements in operational capacity to effective leadership, sound planning and logistics support.
The GOC also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for providing resources and support for the competition, as well as the Commander, 3 Brigade, for providing facilities and logistics assistance.
He urged umpires and officials to ensure fairness, impartiality and professionalism throughout the competition.
Earlier, the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh, said the competition was designed to test the competence, confidence and ability of officers to perform effectively under challenging operational conditions.
According to him, the exercise would also strengthen leadership, teamwork, discipline and professionalism among participating personnel.
“The Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition is a significant professional activity designed to assess, strengthen and sustain the physical fitness, mental alertness, combat skills and operational effectiveness of participating officers.
“It provides an opportunity for officers to demonstrate their competence, confidence and ability to perform optimally under demanding and challenging conditions,” he said.
He said the activities were carefully selected to test individual competence and the ability of officers to operate effectively under pressure.
Jimoh appreciated the GOC for providing strategic guidance and support towards the successful hosting of the event.
He said the support demonstrated the command’s commitment to sustaining professional competence and operational readiness across the division.
“I sincerely appreciate the resources and other necessary support made available for this event. This gesture has significantly enhanced the Brigade’s ability to organise and host the competition,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the exercise would further enhance collective combat proficiency, teamwork and operational effectiveness among officers of the division.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Stripping and Assembling Competition was won by 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
The 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Nigerian Army, emerged second, while 1 Division Garrison, Kaduna, secured the third position. (NAN)
A.I
Aug. 18, 2026
Tags: Brig.-Gen. Opurum Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Mohammed-Wase
Comments
Start the conversation about this story.