The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division Garrison has commenced a five-day Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition aimed at sharpening the skills of its officers and boosting readiness for modern security challenges.

The competition, taking place at the Port Harcourt Barracks, features officers from the rank of Second Lieutenant to Major drawn from the 2 Brigade, 16 Brigade, 63 Brigade, and 6 Division Garrison.

Events include a fitness race, map reading, combat swimming, shooting, and obstacle crossing; all designed to test navigation, marksmanship, endurance, and overall combat effectiveness.

Declaring the competition open, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General Ishaya Makarfi Ibrahim, described the exercise as both a measure of gallantry and a reflection of operational readiness.

“It is with great pride and honour that I stand before you today on the occasion of 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition,” he said. “In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties in the face of new threats has become increasingly crucial.”

He noted that officers’ mastery of watermanship, obstacle crossing, marksmanship, navigation, and endurance would directly enhance operational efficiency, stressing that combat proficiency remained a fundamental requirement for soldiers seeking to excel in all terrains.

On his part, the Commander of 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Obegu, said the competition was about more than winning, explaining that it was designed to build camaraderie, test mental and physical fitness, and prepare officers to face adversaries.

“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,” he said. “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.”