1 Division Garrison Kaduna has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded 1 Division Inter-Brigade Officers Combat Proficiency Competition 2024. The competition which commenced on 20 August 2024 at the Nigerian Defence Academy Sports Complex, Ribadu Cantonment was designed to sharpen the combat skills of the participants.
In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and General Officer Commanding(GOC) 1 Division / Commander Operation Whirl Punch Major General Mayirenso Saraso, emphasized the critical importance of the competition. “This event aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of maintaining a well-trained, combat-ready force that can be deployed at any moment to achieve assigned tasks,” he said.
Gen Saraso added that the competition did not only test the combat efficiency, stamina, and endurance but also fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the officers. He congratulated the winners and urged them not to rest on their laurels, while encouraging other participants to learn from their mistakes and strive for excellence next time.
While delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Division, the Chief of Staff 1 Division Brigadier General David Nwakonobi commended the participants for their exceptional performance and appreciated the GOC for his leadership style and his unwavering support and dynamic guidance, which he said had inspired the formations to prepare rigorously for the challenges faced in the competition.
The competition had participants from 1 Division Garrison Kaduna, 3 Brigade Kano, and 31 Artillery Brigade Minna. The participants competed in a series of demanding military events, including weapon handling, combat swimming, map reading, range classification, physical fitness, and obstacle crossing.
At the end, 1 Division Garrison emerged as the overall champion, while 31 Artillery Brigade Minna and 3 Brigade Kano secured second and third positions respectively.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of medals and awards to outstanding formations and individuals, as well as souvenirs to distinguished invited guests and group photographs.
MUSA YAHAYA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army
22 August 2024