The 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (WOs/SNCOs) Competition 2026 has commenced in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu on Monday, 15 June 2026.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni acting deputy director army public relations,82 division Nigerian army said the event brought together participants from brigades across the Division to showcase leadership, professionalism, and military competence.
In his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi A Fadairo, emphasized that modern militaries thrive on discipline, readiness, and cohesion. He charged Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to break past comfort zones and set new standards of excellence. In GOC’s words, “Combat readiness is not seasonal, every soldier must be mission-ready at all times,” he stated.
Major General Fadairo highlighted that the Nigerian Army operates on the principles of discipline, unity, and commitment. He explained that rigorous training and competitions such as this are vital for enhancing operational effectiveness, resilience, and professionalism among troops. He urged participants to remain focused, disciplined, and determined throughout the exercise, stressing that the competition serves as a force-generation tool aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy on professional excellence and operational readiness.
The Commander, 82 Division Garrison, Brigadier General GA Suru, described the competition as an important component of the Nigerian Army’s training programme. He noted that the event provides a platform for Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to strengthen their leadership skills, discipline, and professional competence. He further explained that the competition benchmarks training standards, sharpens tactical skills, and fosters esprit de corps amongst participating formations which include,13 Brigade, 14 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 44 Engineer Brigade and 82 Division Garrison.
Brigadier General Suru reiterated that Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army, maintaining discipline, mentoring younger soldiers, and ensuring successful execution of military tasks. He encouraged participants to embrace teamwork, healthy rivalry, and sportsmanship, while making the most of the opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen comradeship.
The exercise reinforces 82 Division’s commitment to building a professional force capable of meeting evolving security demands that could deter the peace building process going on in the South-east region.
