The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has flagged off the 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition in Ohafia, Abia State, with a strong call on junior soldiers to uphold discipline, professionalism, and excellence in service.
The five-day competition, which commenced on Monday, April 20, 2026, is being held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, and features participants from various formations across the Division.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Fadairo, the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General S.A. Jimoh, described the competition as a strategic initiative aimed at grooming junior soldiers for higher responsibilities within the Nigerian Army.
In his welcome address, the Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, described the competition as a “significant milestone” in the Army’s training calendar, noting that it is designed to sharpen critical military skills and enhance operational effectiveness.
He explained that participants would be tested in key areas including drill, weapon handling, day and night shooting, physical fitness, map reading, field craft, and tactics, which he described as essential competencies for modern military operations.
According to Brigadier General Dikko, the competition serves as a vital platform for building leadership capacity, improving organizational skills, and reinforcing core military values among young soldiers.
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He commended the participating formations, including 13 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 82 Division Garrison, 44 Engineer Brigade, 54 Signal Brigade, and 2 Women Battalion, noting that their presence reflects unity and collective strength within the Division.
Dikko urged participants to compete fairly, maintain high standards of military conduct, and maximize the opportunity to learn and excel.
Speaking further, Brigadier General Jimoh emphasized that the competition aligns with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, under the PROSE doctrine—focusing on Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Exemplary Leadership.
He noted that the event is designed to sharpen professional skills, instill discipline, build confidence, and promote teamwork and esprit de corps among soldiers.
“As we continue to confront security challenges within our area of operations, it is imperative that we remain focused, prepared, and united,”he said.
The opening ceremony featured the swearing-in of participating formations and umpires, followed by a drill competition that set the tone for the week-long exercise.
The 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition is expected to strengthen inter-unit cooperation, boost operational readiness, and further enhance the overall performance of troops across the 82 Division.
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