Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
8 Division Garrison has stamped its dominance after emerging overall winner of the Nigerian Army’s 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition, a gruelling five-day test of skill, stamina, and teamwork held at the Obstacle Ground in Sokoto.
The contest, which wrapped up at the weekend, drew formations from across the Division’s area of responsibility. When the dust settled, 1st Brigade secured second place while 58 Signal Brigade took third, rounding out a tightly contested podium.
For five days, corporals and below from the participating brigades were pushed through a series of demanding military drills.
Events included weapon handling, obstacle crossing, map reading, endurance marches, and tactical field exercises designed to mirror real battlefield conditions.
The competition is a key calendar event for the Nigerian Army. It tests junior soldiers who form the backbone of frontline operations, and it serves as a benchmark for measuring unit-level preparedness across formations.
Addressing troops at the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Koughna, praised the level of professionalism on display.
He said the energy, commitment, and discipline shown by all formations reflected positively on the Army’s ongoing efforts to build a force capable of responding to Nigeria’s complex security environment.
“This remarkable event is the product of hard work, discipline, and resourcefulness,” Major General Koughna told the assembled troops and guests. “We have witnessed passion, resilience, skill, and professionalism, all of which reflect the combat readiness of our troops.”
The GOC described the competition as more than a contest for trophies. He called it a critical platform for enhancing operational capabilities and a live assessment of how well units are absorbing current training doctrine.
He charged all participants to take lessons from the event back to their units and to double down on preparation for future challenges, noting that the security threats facing the North-West require soldiers who are constantly improving.
According to him, continuous training and capacity building remain non-negotiable in the Army’s area of responsibility. He stressed that exercises like this one directly strengthen combat effectiveness against banditry, insurgency, and other evolving threats.
Major General Koughna also paid tribute to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaibu Waidi, for what he called steadfast support and for providing the resources that made the competition possible. He said the COAS’s backing was vital to the event’s success.
He further commended the organising team, singling out 8 Division Garrison for excellent coordination and logistics that kept the multi-day event running smoothly despite its demanding schedule.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of awards and souvenirs to top-performing teams. Invited dignitaries, senior officers, and partner agencies also received mementos in appreciation of their support.
With the official declaration of the competition’s end, the GOC wished all participants safe travels as they returned to their respective formations to resume operational duties.
For 8 Division Garrison, the victory reinforces its reputation as a pacesetter within the Division. For the Nigerian Army, the competition again proved its value as a tool for sharpening the edge of the force, one corporal at a time.
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