Benin: The 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army commenced in Benin, aiming to sharpen the combat readiness and operational efficiency of its personnel. The week-long event, hosted by the 4 Brigade, was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, who was represented by the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Benin, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the timing of the competition is crucial given the evolving security challenges facing the country. Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife emphasized the importance of the event, highlighting the growing concerns over national security issues that the Nigerian Army is actively engaged in countering.
The competition is designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership capacity, and teamwork among junior soldiers, who are described as the backbone of field operations. Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife stated that the competition’s essence is to prepare these soldiers for effectively countering security challenges through improved skills in combat proficiency, leadership, organization, teamwork, and endurance.
The GOC further explained that the exercise aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. Realism in training and operational decisiveness are central to achieving this objective, and there is a commitment to eradicating criminal elements in the division’s area of responsibility.
Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife assured that adequate arrangements have been made for a smooth exercise and urged participants to maintain professionalism and discipline throughout the competition. Participating formations include 4 Brigade, Benin; 12 Brigade, Lokoja; 22 Brigade, Ilorin; 32 Brigade, Akure; 42 and 52 Engineer Regiments, Ibadan; and the 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan. The competition will feature drills, combat swimming, obstacle crossing, weapon handling and shooting, as well as map reading.