By Peter Amine
The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday declared open the Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2026 in Makurdi to enhance troops’ combat readiness.
Shaibu, who was represented by the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, said the competition, aimed at tackling the security challenges bedevilling the country, was a hallmark of the Nigerian Army’s collective drive towards excellence, resilience, and combat readiness.
The COAS stated that realistic training was essential in preparing troops to successfully navigate real-time challenges and enhance combat efficiency while carrying out their duties with utmost precision during military operations.
According to him, the competition aligns with his command’s philosophy, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“In pursuit of this mission and the requirement to actualise my vision, I developed a mission statement for special forces.
“To Ensure Precision in Action, Courage in Adversity and Service to the Nation through Progressive Training and Operational Deftness in Projecting the Nigerian Army Special Forces Capabilities in Complex and Unpredictable Environments.”
“This informed the reason why 4 Special Forces Command is the host for this year’s competition. The command is fondly known as the “unconquerable”, as the troops are trained with the mindset that with us, nothing is impossible.
“The command has continued to maintain its mandate by recording significant successes in the various theatres of war.
“The Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition is not merely a contest of strength and endurance, but a deliberate training platform designed to sharpen our troops’ physical conditioning, tactical proficiency and teamwork.
“It embodies the doctrine of ‘train as you fight’, ensuring that our personnel remain agile, adaptable, and combat-ready in all operational environments,” he stated.
Shaibu lauded the Directorate of Army Physical Fitness, which had adequately tutored all the competitors in the extant obstacle-crossing techniques of the Nigerian Army.
He assured that the Nigerian Army was ready to demonstrate its capabilities and uphold the values of courage, discipline, and professionalism.
“We remain committed to the Commander-in-Chief’s vision to have a highly motivated, well-trained, and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
“I wish to express my gratitude to Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and unceasing support to the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo lauded Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue over his support for security agencies and his commitment to promoting peace and development, which had continued to strengthen their collective efforts towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of the people.
Awolo encouraged every competitor to demonstrate discipline, courage, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the event while adhering strictly to all safety regulations.
The commander appreciated the organising committee, officials, instructors, umpires, medical teams, safety personnel, and the numerous support staff whose meticulous planning and tireless efforts made the competition possible.
“Your professionalism exemplifies the high standards expected within the Nigerian Army.
“To our esteemed guests, your presence today greatly inspires our personnel and reinforces the enduring partnership among the Nigerian Army, government, traditional institutions, and the Nigerian people.
“We remain resolute in our constitutional responsibility to safeguard our nation and will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to sustain peace, security, and national development,” Awolo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that nine army formations are participating in the competition, which includes 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; and 7 Division, Maiduguri.
Others are 8 Division, Sokoto; 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; 4 Special Forces Command, Doma; and Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja.
The obstacles to cross at the competition include clear jump, 7-foot wall climbing, balancing, and water barbed wire crossing, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)