His Royal Majesty, Barrister Shedrach Erebulu Aduo III, Pere of Kubowei Kingdom, Patani, Delta State, has stated that security is a foundation for economic prosperity and national development.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Umar Adam Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Nigerian Army Public Relations said the monarch made the statement during the Closing Ceremony of 6 Division Nigerian Army Inter – Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2026, held at 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks, Warri, Delta State.
His Royal Majesty, who was the Special Guest of Honour, further mentioned that, the performance of participating personnel during the competition demonstrated the importance of coordination, discipline, team work, physical and tactical training in sustaining military effectiveness and operational readiness. Therefore, he commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South-South) Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Everest Okoro, for sustaining training initiatives aimed at maintaining personnel fitness and preparedness. He also commended the Nigerian Army for its role in providing security and maintaining peace, within the Niger Delta Region and the nation at large.
In his closing remarks, Major General Okoro stated that the competition had demonstrated the determination, endurance and fighting spirit expected of Nigerian Army personnel. He explained that exercises of this nature were essential for sustaining operational readiness, testing individual and collective capabilities, and strengthening practical skills required to respond to evolving security challenges within the Division’s Area of Responsibility. He added that participants were expected to apply the lessons gained from the competition to improve their performance during actual operations.
Thereafter, the GOC appreciated the Special Guest of Honour, Heads of other security agencies, Government officials, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for gracing the event, noting that the presence of the traditional ruler and other members of the civil society reinforced the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace. He also acknowledged the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to the Division and stated that the Division would continue to protect critical national assets within the Niger Delta Region. In his vote of thanks, the Commander 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Baba Buhari, commended the GOC for his leadership style and congratulated the participating formations for their sportsmanship and teamwork.
The competition ended with 63 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) Asaba emerging the overall winner, 16 Brigade NA Bayelsa came second position, 2 Brigade NA Akwa Ibom came third position, while 6 Division Garrison came fourth position. The 5 days competition featured Combat Swimming, Weapon Handling (stripping, assembling and firing), 5.2 kilometers Endurance Race, Map Reading (Day and Night Navigation) and Obstacles Crossing. High points of the event were presentation of awards, medals, trophies, souvenirs and group photographs.
