The Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison has commenced a five-day Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition to enhance the skills of its personnel and prepare them for the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare.

The competition, which involves officers from Second Lieutenants up to the rank of Major across four brigades—2 Brigade, 16 Brigade, 63 Brigade, and 6 Division Garrison—includes a range of challenging activities such as a fitness race, map reading, combat swimming, shooting range, and obstacle crossing.

The events, the Guardian learned, are meant to assess the officers’ proficiency in various combat skills, including navigation, marksmanship, and endurance.
According to Major General Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, the competition serves as a testament to the gallant abilities of officers and a critical reflection of their operational readiness and effectiveness.

Represented by Brigadier General Ishaya Makarfi Ibrahim, Division Training Officer, Maj Gen Emekah emphasised that proficiency remains a fundamental requirement for any soldier seeking to excel and survive in all terrains.

He emphasised that officers’ mastery of water skills, obstacle crossing, marksmanship skills, navigation and endurance runs will directly contribute to the operational efficiency and combat readiness of operations.

Emekah stated, “It is with great pride and honor that I stand before you today on the occasion of 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition.
“This event holds profound significance, not only as a testament to the gallant ability of our officers but also as a critical reflection of their operational readiness and effectiveness.

“In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties in the face of new, ever-evolving threats has become increasingly crucial.

Speaking further, he said, “The journey to combat proficiency is a challenging one, marked by rigorous training, which encompasses both physical mentorship and teamwork. Through your perseverance and teamwork, you have honed your skills and prepared to face any challenges.

“The skills you will showcase today are not merely recreational; they are the cornerstones of your survival and the success of your missions. Proficiency in combat is not just a desirable trait but a fundamental requirement for any soldier who seeks to excel and survive in all terrains.

“Your mastery of water skills, obstacle crossing, marksmanship skills, navigation and endurance run will directly contribute to the operational efficiency and combat readiness of our operations.

“It is my profound belief that your performance in the following days would inspire your comrades and also showcase the unmatched competence of this Division. With great pride and enthusiasm, I hereby declare the 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition 2025 officially open! Let the competition begin, and may the best among the Bde emerge victorious,” he added.

On his part, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, Commander of the 6 Division Garrison, said the competition goes beyond winning, adding that it is about fostering esprit de corps among officers and preparing them to face any adversary.

Brigadier General Ahmed, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Works Headquarters, 46 Engineering Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Obegu, asserted that the competition provides a vital opportunity to test officers’ mental and physical fitness in the face of evolving security threats.

“It is with great pride that I welcome you to the 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition here in Port Harcourt Barracks venue for the 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition 2025. Today marks a significant occasion as we gather to showcase the exceptional combat readiness and survival skills of our officers.
“This competition is not merely an event; it is a vital opportunity to test your mental and physical fitness in the face of evolving security threats. I commend the organising committee, instructors, coaches, umpires and participants for their outstanding preparations in making this happen.

Brigadier General Ahmed, who emphasised participants’ sportsmanship and camaraderie, stated, “I expect all participants to embody good sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. This competition goes beyond winning; it is about fostering esprit de corps and preparedness to face any adversary.

“Finally, on behalf of the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, I assertively welcome you all to this vital competition. Thank you, and God bless.”