Junior personnel of the Nigerian Army have been urged to remain disciplined, resilient, and professional as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness across the force.
The charge was delivered at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Army Headquarters Garrison Corporals and Below Competition held in Abuja, where the Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Mike Alechenu, was represented by the Chief of Staff, Commodore Kabiru Rabiu.
Alechenu described the event as more than a display of physical ability, noting that it serves as a platform for enhancing confidence, improving military skills, and promoting unity among soldiers.
He emphasised the critical role of corporals and rank-and-file soldiers in executing military operations, urging them to remain physically prepared, mentally alert, and tactically sound in the face of evolving security challenges.
Participants were encouraged to apply the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience learned during the exercise in their daily duties, regardless of their final standings.
He also praised the organisers, instructors, and judges for their commitment and professionalism, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the competition.
Earlier, the Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. William Dangana, said the five-day event successfully assessed participants’ endurance, mental strength, and professional competence.
He listed activities featured during the competition to include drills, weapon handling, navigation exercises, combat runs, swimming, shooting, and obstacle crossing.
Dangana reiterated the importance of continuous training in sustaining a combat-ready and professional army, while commending the leadership for its ongoing support.
He noted that the participants demonstrated commendable discipline, teamwork, and camaraderie throughout the exercise.
At the end of the competition, results released by the judging panel showed that Team Alpha scored 490 points to place third, while Team Charlies secured second position with 500 points. Team Delta emerged overall winner with 580 points after a tie-breaker challenge involving the assembly and disassembly of an AK-47 rifle.
The exercise, which spanned five days, was aimed at boosting the readiness and combat efficiency of junior non-commissioned officers and soldiers in the Nigerian Army