Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army has emerged as the overall winner of the 8 Division Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Inter-Brigade Competition 2026, which was successfully concluded at Natsinta Cantonment, Katsina.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, commended participating formations for their dedication, discipline, teamwork and exceptional display of military professionalism throughout the competition.
A statement signed by Captain Abayomi Adisa, acting assistant director army public relations,17 brigade Nigerian army said the competition, which commenced on 15 June 2026 and concluded on 19 June 2026 at Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Natsinta Cantonment, Katsina, brought together participants from Headquarters 17 Brigade, Headquarters 1 Brigade, Headquarters 8 Division Garrison and Headquarters 48 Engineer Brigade in a week-long contest aimed at enhancing leadership qualities, combat readiness and professional competence among Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
Representing the GOC at the closing ceremony, Wing Commander Nelson Okore lauded the participants for their resilience, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He noted that the exercise provided a valuable platform for strengthening esprit-de-corps, promoting healthy rivalry and improving operational effectiveness across formations under the Division.
The competition featured a series of demanding military events designed to test physical fitness, tactical proficiency and leadership capabilities. These included Drill, Map Reading, Drone Proficiency, Physical Fitness Tests, Obstacle Crossing, Weapon Handling and Shooting, as well as the 2.4-Kilometre Combat Relay.
At the conclusion of the competition, Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army emerged as the overall winner, while Headquarters 8 Division Garrison secured second position. Headquarters 48 Engineer Brigade came third, while Headquarters 1 Brigade finished in fourth position.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, Lieutenant Colonel Okore Obasi, expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding, participating formations, officials and guests for their support towards the successful conduct of the competition. He emphasized the critical role of Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in sustaining discipline, leadership and operational efficiency within the Nigerian Army.
The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including military commanders, representatives of sister security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, invited guests and family members of participants. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of medals and trophies to deserving participants and winning formations, as well as the presentation of souvenirs to distinguished guests.
In his vote of thanks, Lieutenant Colonel Rowland Wikimor expressed gratitude to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, participating formations, umpires, officials and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the competition.
The competition concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and combat readiness in support of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities.
