Abuja: The Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Friday concluded the combat proficiency, leadership skills, and physical endurance test of its officers through the 2026 Combat Proficiency Competition in Abuja. The competition, which commenced on August 17, included obstacle crossing, weapon handling, map reading, a kilometre combat run, and culminated with combat swimming at the Guards Brigade Swimming Pool, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Guards Brigade Garrison emerged as the overall winners, scoring 67.19 points, while the 177 Guards Battalion secured second place with 60.95 points, and the 7 Guards Battalion claimed third place with 57.88 points. In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, declared the competition closed and praised the organisers and participants for their commitment, discipline, and professionalism throughout the exercise.
Mustapha, serving as the Special Guest of Honour, emphasized that the competition provided an opportunity to assess the officers’ command potential, decision-making under pressure, and combat proficiency. He urged the participants to apply the lessons learned to their duties and continue leading by example in character, competence, and courage. The commander congratulated the winners and encouraged those who did not emerge victorious to view the experience as an important milestone in their professional development, highlighting that military excellence could only be achieved through perseverance, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, stated that the competition was designed to strengthen officers’ tactical competence, decision-making, and operational readiness. Onasanya noted that the participating officers demonstrated commendable determination and professionalism throughout the five-day competition. The competition featured obstacle crossing, map reading, weapon handling, a 5-kilometre combat run, and combat swimming.
According to him, the events tested the officers’ leadership, tactical competence, physical endurance, and decision-making under challenging conditions. “Combat swimming is a test of endurance, courage, and determination. Participants are required to overcome the demands of the water while maintaining focus, discipline, and composure,” he said. The commander added that the competition also reinforced discipline, teamwork, and the warrior ethos expected of Nigerian Army officers. He commended the Central Organising Committee, judges, umpires, and support personnel for ensuring the smooth conduct of the competition, asserting that the knowledge and experience gained would enhance the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of the officers and the Brigade.