The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has emerged overall champion of the 2026 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition, held at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, in Benin City, Edo State.
The four-day competition, which ran from April 20 to 23, brought together junior non-commissioned officers from formations under the 2 Division to test their combat readiness, leadership ability, and teamwork.
In his welcome address, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, said the competition was designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, endurance, and esprit de corps among soldiers of junior ranks.
According to him, beyond the competitive aspect, the exercise serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and strengthening unity within the ranks.
“It is not just about winning or losing, but about building resilience, improving capacity, and preparing participants for higher responsibilities,” he said.
Balogun also appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for entrusting the Brigade with hosting the event and for his continued commitment to personnel training and welfare.
In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the competition, noting that its objectives were largely achieved.
He said the various activities had significantly improved participants’ physical and mental capacity, leadership qualities, and operational preparedness in response to current security challenges.
Adegbite urged participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the competition to achieve greater success in their respective formations.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his sustained commitment to the development of junior non-commissioned officers, describing them as the backbone of the Nigerian Army.
The competition featured events such as drill exercises, combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country race, and obstacle crossing.
Other participating formations included 12 Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 42 Engineers Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.
At the end of the contest, 4 Brigade clinched the overall first position, while 12 Brigade and 2 Division Garrison placed second and third respectively.
The closing ceremony was attended by heads of security agencies in Edo State and featured highlights such as obstacle crossing contests, presentation of awards, souvenirs, and group photographs.
