By Desmond Ejibas
Elele (Rivers) – No fewer than 224 officers and soldiers drawn from seven separate divisions in the Nigerian Army, are participating in a special competition organised to enhance the proficiency of troops.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, declared open the event tagged “First COAS Combat Platoon Cross Country Championship 2022″ at the Elele Military Cantonment, Rivers, on Tuesday.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Ayobami Ibikunle, the Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp, Farouk said that the exercise would last for five days.
“The participating soldiers were drawn from 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja.
“They will compete in beam heaving, sit up, push up, vertical rope climbing, step bench test and 15 kilometre cross country.
“The championship is aimed at building the physical, mental and combat readiness of troops,” he said.
Yahaya said that on his assumption of office he identified fitness of troops as one of the key areas that needed to be improved.
According to him, troops operate under a very volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment that demands full fitness.
“Hence, after identifying the gaps, it became imperative to ensure that physical fitness of personnel is given priority to confront security challenges.
“Consequently, we are stepping up all aspects of our combat readiness in line with best practices, to effectively confront contemporary adversaries.
“So, this championship will go a long way in refocusing the perspective of our personnel towards capacity building,” he added.
Yahaya urged the participants to take the training seriously and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship to be in better shape when deployed for army operations.
Speaking, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said that the exercise would strengthen stamina and endurance of personnel for army operations.
He said that selected soldiers from all the army divisions across Nigeria would take part in the exercise with the exception of 7 Division Maiduguri and 8 Division Sokoto.
“So, we appreciate the COAS for the opportunity given to 6 Division to host the championship and also to officers and soldiers in ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise,” he said. (NAN)
