Army begins shooting competition in Abia to improve on combat readiness
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As part of measures to improve proficiency and combat readiness of soldiers, the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Monday, began Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition at 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State.
The exercise, according to the General Officer Commanding GOC 82 Division Nigeria Army Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada, is aimed at improving the fitness of soldiers.
According to an earlier statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Lieutenant Innocent Omale, the competition will compete in Combat Swimming, Half Marathon, Map Reading, Weapon Handling and Obstacle Crossing.
It said that the competition was aimed at “testing team spirit, combat readiness of the officers and prepare them for the upcoming task.”
The statement urged members of the public especially communities around the Army barracks, not to be alarmed by the sound of weapons .
It further enjoined farmers to steer clear from the range site during the period.
Major Gen. Dada who declared the competition open, said that the Nigeria Army placed much value on the training of its personnel.
The GOC who noted that the exercise was coming one month after the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers competition, said that the Army would continue to provide the needed facilities for the improvement of its officers and soldiers.
He said that the competition provided an avenue “for members of the lower levels of the officer cadre to showcase their leadership skills, proficiency in weapon handling, regimentation, navigation, esprit de corps and teamwork. ”
The GOC enjoined participants to take the competition seriously “as there is no better time to demonstrate what you are capable of delivering when confronted with real live situations.”
He also enjoined the participants to “compete fairly but keenly and show what the army is capable of at the junior leadership level”.
Speaking also, the Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General Nsikak John Edet, noted that “sports in the military, is an important aspect of every officer’s and soldier’s life that helps in improving our physical and mental health”.
According to him, it will as well enhance good qualities like discipline, hard work, patience, respect, team-work.
The GOC charged participants to place more value on gaining experience than just winning the competition.
Brig. Gen. Edet assured that the necessary facilities had been provided by the Brigade for a successful hosting.
“It is gratifying that in order to ensure a successful hosting all the venues earmarked for the various events to be competed in have been properly prepared to meet the standards
The participants after the opening ceremony embarked on weapon handling competition.
The participating Brigades include: 13 Brigade Calabar, the host, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri, 44 Engineer Brigade Enugu and 82 Division Garrison Enugu.
