THE 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, on Friday emerged champion of the prestigious Corporal and Below Competition organised for troops.

The competition had 225 soldiers who competed for the top prize in weapon handling, shooting, drill, point-to-point map reading, swimming, physical fitness and obstacle crossing.

The Division emerged winner with 1,730 points while 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, followed with 1,674 points while 56 Signal Brigade came second and third with 1,572points.

16 Brigade, Bayelsa came fourth with 1,335 points and 46 Engineer Brigade came last with 1,184 points.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour and Commandant of the Nigerian Naval War College, Ubima, Rear Adm. Chris Udofia, congratulated the participating formations.

Represented by Commodore Joseph Akpan, the Provost of the college, Udofia said the competition was meant to sharpen and strengthen tactical awareness and team spirit of troops under the Division.

“The competition has also displayed the combat readiness and proficiency of the Nigerian Army, particularly the readiness of troops under 6 Division in tackling security challenges in the country.

“The non-commissioned officers should to keep the flag flying high and apply the prowess exhibited here to their everyday lives.

“However, it is not enough to be strong, as soldiers, must be of good attitude, behaviour and disciplined, the hallmark of a professional soldier,” he said.

Udofia urged the teams that lost in the competition to prepare hard for other sporting competitions slated to commence in a fortnight.

Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, the Division’s General Officer Commanding (GOC), said the competition was part of training programmes lined up for the troops.

Yusuf, who spoke through the Division’s Commander of Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Aminu Bande, also said the competition was used to prepare troops for future security operations in the country.

“Our mandate is to protect the territorial integrity of the nation. We are to fight on land, sea and in the air which are hallmarks of our training as members of the armed forces,” he said.

Yusuf urged the soldiers to keep fit and prepare mentally and physically for the tasks ahead.

– Apr. 13, 2018 @ 18:28 GMT |

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