The 82 Division Nigerian Army on Monday, 20 April 2026, flagged off the Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2026 at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, with a charge to junior soldiers to uphold discipline, professionalism, and excellence.
A statement signed by Captain Mazinho Attah, assistant director army public relations 14 brigade Nigerian army Ohafia Abia State said the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General OA Fadairo, was duly represented at the opening ceremony by the Chief of Staff, 82 Division, Brigadier General SA Jimoh, who declared the 5-day competition open.
In his welcome address, the host and Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General AM Dikko, described the competition as a “significant milestone” in the Nigerian Army’s training calendar. He noted that the event, scheduled for 20–24 April 2026, would test participants in drill, weapon handling, day and night shooting, physical fitness, map reading, field craft and tactics, skills he called “fundamental for operational effectiveness in contemporary military engagements.”
“The Corporals and Below Competition remains a vital platform for developing the leadership, organizational abilities, and professional competence of our young soldiers,” Brig Gen AM Dikko said. “It prepares them for higher responsibilities and reinforces the core values of discipline, excellence, and dedication to duty.”
He commended the presence of teams from 13 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 82 Division Garrison, 44 Engineer Brigade, 54 Signal Brigade, and 2 Women Battalion, stating that their participation reflects the unity and collective strength of the Division. He urged all competitors to “compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of military conduct, and make the most of this opportunity to learn and excel.”
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the GOC, Brig Gen Jimoh said the competition is a deliberate and strategic initiative aimed at grooming junior leaders who will shoulder greater responsibilities in the Nigerian Army. He stressed that the event aligns with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu’s PROSE doctrine, which focuses on Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Exemplary Leadership.
“This competition directly supports my vision for 82 Division, to enhance operational capabilities through the highest professional standards and resilience, within a joint operating environment, for enduring peace and security in our area of operation,” the GOC’s remarks stated.
He added that the various events are designed to sharpen professional skills, instill discipline, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork and esprit de corps. “As we continue to confront security challenges within our area of operations, it is imperative that we remain focused, prepared, and united,” he said.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the swearing-in of the participating formations and umpires, followed by the drill competition which set the tone for the week-long contest.
The 82 Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2026 is expected to foster esprit de corps, strengthen inter-unit cooperation, and enhance overall operational readiness across formations.
