.... As 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, emerged overall winners
Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, emerged overall winners of the 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Inter - Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2025 which took place at Headquarters 12 Brigade NA, Chari Maigumari Barracks, Lokoja from 7 to 11 April 2025.
The competition is an annual routine held across all formations of the Nigerian Army, designed to refresh troops' training skills, while sustaining their overall efficiency and combat readiness.
2 Division Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye in press statement noted that the formations within 2 Division which featured during the competition were; 4 Brigade Benin, 12 Brigade Lokoja, 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, Engineer Construction Command Ede, and 2 Division Garrison.
Others include; 42 Engineer Brigade, 52 Signals Brigade, and 81 Battalion, Letmauk Barracks, Mokola, Ibadan. While 42 Engineer Brigade, 52 Signals Brigade, and Engineer Construction Command competed as a team, 2 Division Garrison and 81 Battalion were equally merged as one team. Drill, Weapon Handling, Map Reading, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing, were the various competing areas which the formations under 2 Division Areas of responsibility (AOR) were tested.
The competition provided enabling environment for troops within the Division to come together to showcase spirit of sportsmanship, professionalism as well as combat readiness.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Genral Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), commended the participants for their passion, doggedness, dexterity, and excellent display of high level professionalism during the events.
He said the team spirit observed amongst each competing formation was quite commendable; urging troops to work hard for better improvement in future competitions.
The GOC, further appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, for his continued support to the Division in the provision of adequate resources for all training activities.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander 12 Brigade NA, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, noted that the competition had effectively equipped personnel within the ranks of corporal and below for higher responsibilities ahead.
He lauded the participants for demonstrating remarkable courage, unity, endurance, and a high sense of military professionalism; which he said, exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding soldier.
Brigadier General Sidi, also expressed appreciation to the GOC, for his purposeful leadership and unwavering dedication to nurturing a force that is not only operationally sound but also firmly rooted in discipline and professionalism.
He thanked the Judges, Umpires, and other organizers of the competition for their dedication and commitment towards the success of the event.
The host formation, 12 Brigade, came 2nd, while 42 Engineer Brigade, which formed a team with 52 Signals Brigade, and Engineer Construction Command, finished 3rd. Similarly, 32 Artillery Brigade finished 4th, as 4 Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison/81 Battalion occupied 5th and 6th positions respectively.
Present at the event were; Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, Commodore Tamuno Senibo, Commissioner of police, Kogi State command, CP Miller Dantawaye, and Heads of other Security agencies in Kogi State.
Highlights of the event were presentation of trophies to the winning formations and medals to individual participants who distinguished themselves during the competition.
