The Nigerian Army has intensified its drive to boost combat readiness and all-round fitness of its personnel by introducing swimming training, marking a new phase in its efforts to enhance operational proficiency.
This initiative took center stage as the Guards Brigade on Monday, 18 August 2025, flagged off the much-anticipated Guards Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition for commissioned officers in Abuja. The exercise, which features a series of rigorous military drills, aims to sharpen the physical endurance, tactical skills, and adaptability of troops in diverse operational environments.
Declaring open the Guards Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2025, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Mohammed Takuti Usman, called on officers to embrace training as the foundation of military effectiveness and leadership excellence.
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Maj Gen Usman commended the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General AO Onasanya, for organizing the competition in line with the Nigerian Army Headquarters Training Directive 2025, which aims to enhance combat effectiveness and operational readiness.
“Training is the foundation of military effectiveness, and in the face of evolving security challenges, it is not just an activity – it is an imperative,” he stressed, quoting General Douglas MacArthur’s maxim that “preparedness is the key to success and victory.”
The General underscored the crucial role of officers as the “command engine of the Nigerian Army,” responsible for planning operations, leading troops in combat, and making critical decisions under pressure. He emphasized that the competition was designed not only to test tactical skills but also to sharpen leadership qualities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare participants for complex missions.
Maj Gen Usman further highlighted the growing operational role of the Guards Brigade beyond presidential security and ceremonial functions, noting its critical contribution to the protection of the Federal Capital Territory and national security at large.
“This competition is an opportunity to hone your tactical decision-making, test your operational adaptability, and refine the combat leadership techniques that will enable you to excel in any theater of operations,” he charged participants. “Compete not just to win, but to sharpen your command presence and embody the values of vision, courage, and professionalism.”
He concluded by expressing confidence that the competition would produce outstanding leaders and elevate the combat readiness of the Nigerian Army. “May the most professional and outstanding team emerge victorious,” he declared, before formally declaring the competition open.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Commander Guards Brigade, Brig Gen Adebisi Onasanya described the competition as “a pivotal milestone in the Brigade’s training calendar, designed to sharpen performance, instill discipline, and enhance combat readiness.”
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He said the week-long exercise, aligned with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events and Guards Brigade Training Directives 2025, will see officers compete in key military skills including Skills at Arms, Marksmanship, a 15km Combat Endurance Run, Obstacle Crossing, Map Reading, and Combat Swimming.
He noted that the competition embodies the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy: “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
According to the Commander, every challenge undertaken during the competition translates to operational readiness on the battlefield. He urged participants to push beyond their limits, stressing that their “tenacity will define our collective readiness as an elite force.”
Brig Gen Onasanya commended the judges and organising committee for their role in ensuring fairness, integrity, and credibility, while calling on all teams to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and competitive spirit.
He added: “The nation watches when the Guards Brigade steps onto the field. Let us set a standard that inspires the entire Nigerian Army.”
At the end of the Day 1 exeecise which is combat swimming, Army Garrison Came first with 5miutes and 6 seconds
Events scheduled for the competition include skill-at-arms, shooting, a 15km combat run, map reading, combat swimming, and obstacle crossing – all aimed at testing the limits of endurance and professional competence.
The Guards Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition was graced by the Special Guest of Honour, Major General MT Usman, alongside other senior officers and invited dignitaries, who joined the Brigade in celebrating the troops committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
