The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026 commenced on Monday at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, with 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, serving as host of the week-long event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, welcomed participants from various formations and expressed gratitude for their safe arrival.
He noted that the competition comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces evolving security challenges, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the operational readiness of personnel.
Balogun stated that the exercise is designed to enhance combat proficiency, leadership capacity, teamwork, endurance, and organisational skills among junior soldiers.
He added that the competition would also promote esprit de corps and better prepare participants to respond effectively to emerging threats.
Events scheduled for the competition include drill, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country run and obstacle crossing, map reading, and combat swimming.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, represented by the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, urged participants to maintain professionalism throughout the exercise.
He assured that a team of impartial judges had been constituted to ensure fairness and transparency, stressing that no team would be favoured or disadvantaged.
Nnebeife also disclosed that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee a smooth and successful competition.
He called on all participants and officials to adhere strictly to the rules and take the exercise seriously.
He further appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for providing the necessary resources for the competition, as well as the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training for its continued support in improving the annual event.
Participating formations in the 2026 competition include 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 42/52 Engineers and Signals Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.
The opening ceremony was attended by heads of security agencies in Edo State and other invited guests. Highlights of the first day included drill competitions among participating formations, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.