The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), now Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede, has tasked personnel of the Nigerian Army to maintain physical fitness and regular training to proficiently defend the country against it’s enemies.
The COAS spoke at the 2025 Nigerian Army Combat Proficiency Competition in Abuja.
The Army Chief who was represented by the deputy chief of training, Course and Examination, Maj.-Gen. Ayoola Aboaba said the effectiveness of any fighting force depends largely on its level of training and physical conditioning which the competition provides the right environment to measure those attributes.
He said, “The significance of this competition goes beyond the excitement of winning medals or setting records. It serves as a platform for fostering teamwork, discipline, esprit de corps, and healthy rivalry among formations – all of which are critical to achieving excellence in operations and mission accomplishment.”
He said Nigeria has, in recent years, continued to face diverse security challenges ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
“These threats demand that our troops remain physically fit, mentally alert, and tactically proficient. It is for this reason that the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize realistic and regular training exercises to ensure our personnel are always prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” he said.
The Army Chief commended the participating formations for their high level of commitment and competitive spirit displayed throughout the exercise.
“Your performance today reflects the depth of training, discipline, and professionalism that define the Nigerian Army,” he added.
He urged them to sustain the standard and continue to work as a team in their various operational areas.
“I want to remind all personnel that the true essence of this competition lies not only in victory, but in the lessons learned, friendships built, and renewed commitment to our shared mission of defending our nation. The knowledge and experiences gained here should translate to improved field performance and enhanced operational outcomes in all theatres.”
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that nine formations/ divisions participated in the exercise, which saw 187 personnel running through mountains and valleys with military gadgets.
After an intense competition, 3 Division emerged as the overall winner, 1 Division came second while 81 Division came third in the group stage.
