Nigerian Army Tests Troops' Readiness in Sokoto Competition

The Nigerian Army 8 Division, located in Sokoto, has successfully completed its 2026 Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition, which was designed to evaluate the physical fitness, combat readiness, and operational effectiveness of its troops. Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, stated during the closing ceremony that the competition served as a vital opportunity to assess the endurance and discipline of the participating troops.

He highlighted that training is fundamental to military professionalism and that troops must remain prepared to effectively address security threats. The competition aligns with directives from Army Headquarters to enhance training in accordance with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which prioritizes combat readiness.

The event included various tactical exercises such as a 10-kilometre combat run and weapon handling. The 8 Division Garrison emerged as the overall winner, with 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, in second place and 17 Brigade in third.