Nigerian Army Intensifies Combat Readiness as 2 Division Hosts High-Stakes Junior Soldiers’ Competition in Benin
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Army has stepped up efforts to sharpen the combat readiness of its personnel as the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026 kicked off in Benin City, Edo State, bringing together junior soldiers from multiple formations in a rigorous week-long military exercise.
The competition, which began on April 20 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan Barracks, is being hosted by 4 Brigade and is designed to test and enhance the operational capabilities of corporals and lower-ranked personnel amid evolving security challenges across the country.
According to a press release issued by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and combat efficiency within the force.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, underscored the strategic importance of the competition, noting that it comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces increasing security threats.
“This event could not have come at a better time, given the growing security challenges confronting the nation,” Balogun said, adding that the exercise is structured to “enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, organisational ability, teamwork, endurance, and promote esprit de corps among junior soldiers.”
He explained that participants would compete in a series of demanding activities including drill, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country and obstacle crossing, map reading, and combat swimming.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife—represented by Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi—charged participants to maintain professionalism and uphold the highest standards throughout the competition.
“A team of impartial umpires and judges has been carefully selected to ensure fairness. No team will be favoured or victimised,” he assured, urging all formations to strictly adhere to the rules guiding the exercise.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for providing the necessary resources to sustain the annual competition, as well as the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training for its continued support.
Participating formations in the 2026 edition include 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 42/52 Engineers and Signals Brigade, and the 2 Division Garrison.
The event attracted top security officials in Edo State, alongside other dignitaries and military stakeholders. Highlights of the opening day featured drill competitions, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs, setting the tone for an intensive contest aimed at producing highly skilled and combat-ready soldiers.
