The 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army commenced on Monday in Benin, in a move aimed at boosting combat readiness and operational efficiency among personnel.
The week-long exercise, hosted by the 4 Brigade, was officially declared open by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, who was represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nnebeife underscored the significance of the timing of the competition amid rising security concerns across the country.
”This event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns on insecurity challenges confronting the nation, which the Nigerian Army is increasingly engaged to counter,” he said.
He noted that the competition was specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of junior soldiers, whom he described as critical to field operations.
”The essence of the Corporals and Below competition is to improve combat proficiency, leadership skills, organisational ability, teamwork and endurance to prepare them for countering these security challenges,” he also said.
The GOC further stated that the exercise aligns 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 effectively fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
He emphasised the importance of realistic training and operational decisiveness in achieving these goals, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements within its area of responsibility.
Nnebeife assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth exercise and urged participants to maintain professionalism and discipline throughout the competition.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), participating formations include 4 Brigade, Benin; 12 Brigade, Lokoja; 22 Brigade, Ilorin; 32 Brigade, Akure; 42 and 52 Engineer Regiments, Ibadan; as well as the 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan.
Events scheduled for the competition include drills, combat swimming, obstacle crossing, weapon handling and shooting, as well as map reading.
