Abyssinia Battalion has emerged winner of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Cadets Brigade inter-battalion combat swimming competition for 73 Regular Course Army cadets.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya.
Kovangiya said the competition, held at the NDA swimming pool in Afaka, was designed to test cadets’ endurance, discipline, combat readiness and teamwork.
He explained that the exercise, organised by the Cadets Brigade under the leadership of Brig.-Gen. A.N. Eze, featured rigorous activities simulating battlefield conditions, particularly in riverine and amphibious environments.
According to him, cadets competed in events such as a 30-metre endurance combat swim, a 60-metre combat swim with rifle, and a 120-metre combat swim without rifle.
Other activities included a tower jump followed by a 60-metre swim, a floating undressing exercise with a 30-metre swim, pebble retrieval, and a 16-by-4 combat swimming relay with rifle.
“The exercise commenced from the Army Roundabout and progressed to the swimming pool for the main events.
“The competition also featured entertainment displays by cadets of the 73 Regular Course Army, as well as performances by pupils of the NDA Staff School and corps members,” he said.
Announcing the results, the Chief Judge, Wg Cdr M.S. Elabor, said Abyssinia Battalion secured first place with five gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
He said Dalet Battalion came second with one gold, two silver and one bronze medal, while Burma Battalion placed third with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Mogadishu Battalion finished fourth with one silver medal.
Kovangiya added that the Deputy Commandant of the NDA, AVM A.K. Bello, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the cadets for their resilience and competitive spirit.
Bello described combat swimming as a vital military skill, noting that such exercises enhance mental toughness, leadership and teamwork required for operational effectiveness.
He urged the cadets to make optimal use of available training facilities in preparation for future responsibilities.
“The competition reflects the academy’s commitment to training officers capable of operating effectively in diverse and challenging environments,” Bello said.
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