The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Muhammed Takuti Usman has flagged off the 81 Division Combat Proficiency Competition, as part of its activities for 2023.
The Competition which was declared opened by the representative of the GOC, the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. Musa Abubakar Sadiq, on Monday, 14th August 2023, is hosted by the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry Lagos State.
In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni explained that the competition is aimed at boosting leadership skills, espirit-de-corps, professional competence, and preparing officers for higher responsibilities.
In addition, it’s intended to prepare the participating officers for battle readiness in view of the present security challenges confronting the country.
The GOC, in his remarks, said this year’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition will be more effective and challenging than the previous ones “because of the high level of preparations put in place for the conduct of the competition as well as preparations made by the participating formations”.
He, therefore, urged all participating officers to put in their best so as to derive maximum benefits from the competition and also make their various formations proud.
The GOC said training has remained a fundamental precursor for all military operations adding that troops’ performance in peace and wartime is a direct result of the qualities of training, which he described as a veritable tool that guarantees enhanced military professionalism.
Maj. Gen. MT Usman added that the Division is living up to expectations in organizing this year’s exercise in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a force that is well trained, equipped and highly motivated towards discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
The GOC further listed the requirements outlined to test competing formations for this year’s competition to include: map reading, combat swimming, weapon handling, and obstacle crossing. He said the requirements would provide an avenue for improving the combat proficiency and readiness of junior commanders to showcase their leadership skills.
The GOC thanked the COAS for his strategic guidance as well as for providing necessary support to all the Division’s training requirements while emphasizing the Division’s commitment towards ensuring that training is given the highest priority by executing all the NA Training Directives for the year 2023.
