GOC CONGRATULATES 14 BRIGADE FOR WINNING THE 82 DIVISION INTER-BRIGADE CORPORALS AND BELOW COMPETITION 2026*

*GOC CONGRATULATES 14 BRIGADE FOR WINNING THE 82 DIVISION INTER-BRIGADE CORPORALS AND BELOW COMPETITION 2026*

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, has congratulated 14 Brigade for winning the just concluded year 2026 Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, from Monday, 20 April to Thursday, 23 April 2026.

The 4-day competition brought together junior soldiers from 13 Brigade, 14 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 44 Engineer Brigade, and 82 Division Garrison in a rigorous test of discipline, endurance, teamwork, and tactical proficiency. The event featured a range of activities designed to enhance combat readiness and professional competence, including drill, physical fitness tests, map reading, combat swimming, weapon handling, and obstacle crossing.
Activities commenced on Day One with a formal opening ceremony followed by the Drill Competition, where 14 Brigade emerged winner, demonstrating exceptional precision and coordination. Day 2 focused on endurance and tactical skills. 13 Brigade won the 5km Fitness Test, while 14 Brigade secured victories in both Map Reading and the Physical Fitness Test. Day 3 assessed specialized military capabilities under varying conditions, including Combat Swimming and Weapon Handling, including Day and Night shooting. 14 Brigade excelled in both events, further consolidating its lead in the competition.

During the closing ceremony, participants undertook the Obstacle Crossing event, which tested agility, endurance, and resilience. 13 Brigade emerged winner. At the end of the competition, 14 Brigade emerged overall winner with a total of 560 points, clinching 4 trophies in Drill, Map Reading, Physical Fitness Test, and Combat Swimming. 13 Brigade followed closely in second place with 540 points, winning the 5km Fitness Test and Obstacle Crossing events. 82 Division Garrison placed third with 470 points, while 34 Artillery Brigade and 44 Engineer Brigade secured fourth and fifth positions with 420 and 410 points respectively. In line with tradition, 44 Engineer Brigade was presented with the “Wooden Spoon” award.

Delivering his closing remarks, the GOC, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, expressed great satisfaction and a deep sense of accomplishment, noting that the competition showcased a remarkable display of professionalism, endurance, discipline, and teamwork by all participating formations. He commended the high standards exhibited by personnel and affirmed that the objectives of the competition, enhancing leadership capacity, improving physical fitness, strengthening teamwork, and building professional competence, were fully achieved.
He emphasized that the various events had not only tested participants’ capabilities but also sharpened their skills and reinforced their preparedness for operational duties. The GOC urged all participants to return to their respective formations with renewed determination, applying the knowledge gained to improve performance in the field, while maintaining professionalism as a guiding principle.
Major General Fadairo further highlighted that the competition reinforces the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu, centered on Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Exemplary Leadership as well as a focus on building a Soldier First culture in the Nigerian Army. He noted that the exercise aligns with the vision of the 82 Division to enhance operational capabilities through high professional standards and resilience within a joint operating environment.

The GOC appreciated the Commander 14 Brigade for successfully hosting the event and commended the efforts of participants, judges, umpires, observers, and the organizing committee for ensuring its smooth and successful conduct. While congratulating the winners on their well-deserved success, he encouraged other formations to remain resolute and intensify preparations for future competitions. He stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum of training, discipline, and unity in addressing evolving security challenges, reiterating that the Nigerian Army must remain combat-ready, resilient, and professional at all times.

Prior to the commencement of the closing ceremony, the Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Dikko led the GOC, alongside members of his entourage to conduct a tree-planting exercise adjacent to the Quarter Guard. The initiative underscored values of hope, unity, and longevity, while representing a selfless investment in future generations. The gesture also served as a living legacy and a commitment to peace-building, environmental stewardship, and renewal, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature.
Major General Fadairo formally declared the competition closed and wished all participants a safe return to their respective units.

*MUYIWA AYARA*
Captain
for Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
Ohafia
23 April 2026