The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has emerged overall winner of the 2026 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition held in Benin City, Edo State.
The four-day competition, hosted by the 4 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, took place from April 20 to 23, 2026, and featured participants from various formations under the 2 Division.
In his welcome address, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, said the competition was aimed at enhancing combat proficiency, leadership skills, teamwork, endurance, and esprit de corps among junior-ranked soldiers. He noted that the exercise also serves to prepare participants for higher responsibilities within the Army.
Balogun emphasized that beyond winning, the competition fosters unity, resilience, and continuous improvement. He also expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for entrusting the brigade with hosting the event and for his commitment to personnel training and welfare.
In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and outcomes of the competition. He stated that the various activities had significantly improved participants’ physical and mental capacity, leadership qualities, and operational readiness in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Adegbite urged participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the competition to enhance performance in their respective formations.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support towards the development of junior non-commissioned officers, whom he described as the backbone of the Nigerian Army.
Events featured in the competition included drill exercises, combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country race, and obstacle crossing.
Other participating formations were the 12 Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 42 Engineers Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.
At the end of the competition, 4 Brigade clinched the first position, followed by 12 Brigade in second place, while 2 Division Garrison finished third.
The closing ceremony was attended by heads of security agencies in Edo State, alongside other dignitaries and guests.
Highlights included obstacle crossing contests, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and group photographs.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
