By Emmanuel Antswen
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, urged Nigerian Army officers and soldiers to apply skills acquired during the 2026 Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition to operations.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday in Makurdi at the closing ceremony of the five-day competition, saying the exercise was designed to sharpen the combat effectiveness of troops through realistic and mission-oriented training.
He said the competition showcased exceptional courage, endurance, discipline, teamwork and professionalism by participants drawn from different formations across the country.
According to him, the event reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining a highly trained, combat-ready and mission-focused force.
“The obstacle courses tested physical endurance, mental agility, tactical decision-making, leadership, teamwork and the ability to accomplish assigned missions under pressure.
“These are precisely the qualities required of the modern Nigerian soldier in today’s complex operational environment,” he said.
The army chief said the competition aligned with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
He urged participants to apply the lessons learnt to improve planning, execution and mission accomplishment in their respective formations.
“The true measure of the success of this competition will not be the medals won today but the enhanced operational effectiveness of our troops in theatres of operation across the country,” he said.
Shaibu congratulated the winning teams, describing their success as a reflection of hard work, discipline and effective preparation.
He also encouraged teams that did not emerge victorious to remain determined and improve on identified shortcomings ahead of future competitions.
The COAS commended the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, the planning committee, umpires, judges, medical personnel, logistics teams, media representatives and other stakeholders for ensuring the successful conduct of the competition.
He also appreciated the Benu Government and people for their hospitality and support, describing civil-military cooperation as vital to promoting peace, security and national development.
Shaibu thereafter formally declared the 2026 Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition closed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 82 Division Enugu emerged as the overall winner of the competition.
NAN also reports that 1 Division Kaduna came second, while Amy Headquarters Garrison finished third. NAN
Edited by Peter Amine
