‎From Olu Samuel, Lokoja

‎The Nigerian Army (NA) has commenced the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) Competition 2026 in Lokoja, with a focus on strengthening leadership, professionalism and combat readiness across the Division.

‎The four-day competition, scheduled from 7 to 10 July 2026 at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja was declared open by the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), Maj Gen Sunday Idoko (Rtd).

‎The event is being hosted by 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under the command of Brig Gen Kasim Sidi,

‎In his welcome address, Sidi described the competition as a “deliberate and strategic initiative” designed to enhance the leadership skills, organisational abilities, esprit de corps and professional competence of Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs.

‎He noted that the competition is firmly aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy “to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”

‎According to the Commander, the events were carefully selected to test core competencies required for effective military operations.

‎He said activities during the four-day competition include: drill competition, combat swimming, combat race/obstacle crossing, map reading, shooting/weapon handling, among others.

‎“The events will not only sharpen the participants’ professional skills but also instil discipline, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork,” Sidi said.

‎He urged participants to approach the competition with dedication, fairness, and a strong sense of purpose.

‎He added that extensive preparations have been made by the Local Organising Committee to ensure a smooth, fair and professionally conducted exercise.

‎Declaring the competition open, Maj Gen Sunday Idoko (Rtd), said the timing was apt given the growing security challenges confronting the nation which the Nigerian Army is increasingly engaged to counter.

‎He described the competition as “a furnace in which character is tempered, leadership is revealed, and esprit de corps is strengthened,” stressing that it goes beyond testing physical strength and tactical skill.

‎“I know first-hand what combat readiness truly demands: discipline, stamina, teamwork and unbreakable will.

‎”Every obstacle you face here mirrors the challenges you may face in the field,” Idoko told participants.

‎The retired General added that the exercise will enable formations to measure their combat readiness and generate lessons that will make the Army stronger.

‎He assured that a team of impartial umpires and judges have been selected to guarantee fairness.

‎Both senior officers thanked the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj Gen CR Nnebeife, for the opportunity and appreciated special guests for attending despite tight schedules.

‎Sidi assured participants of an enabling environment to excel and called on them to use the platform to learn, improve and demonstrate the highest standards of soldiering.

‎The opening ceremony had in attendance senior military officers, invited guests, and participants drawn from formations under 2 Division Nigerian Army.