The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, has charged personnel under the Division to always endeavour to keep fit and be combat ready to tackle security challenges confronting the country.
Angbazo gave the charge on Monday at the opening of the Division’s 3-day inter-brigade proficiency competition 2019.
“Our country is currently being bedeviled by a myriad of security challenges.
“The asymmetric nature of today’s threats and its implication on our conventional roles underscores the need for us to come together and train as a Division in the current fight against terrorism and other contemporary security challenges.’’
Angbazo said that in line with the 2019 Nigerian army training directive, it had become imperative for emphasis to be placed on all aspects of regimentation, physical fitness and esprit de corps.
“Hence the organisation of this competition at this auspicious time,’’ he stated.
The GOC said that the competition, initiated in 2012 had become an annual event for officers from Second Lieutenant to Major.
According to him, the competition is aimed at improving the standard of battle readiness, physical fitness and developing esprit de corps among junior and middle level officers.
He said that participants would compete in map reading, combat run, obstacle crossing, tug of war and weapon handling, among other activities.
Angbazo added that it was also meant to strengthen professionalism of that cadre of officers who bridges the gap between the senior officers and soldiers.
The GOC commended the host formation, 43 Engineer Brigade for the competition and charged personnel under the brigade to be of good conduct.
Brig.-Gen. Festus Briggs, Commander 43 Engineering Brigade, said that the purpose of the combat proficiency competition was to test the combat fitness of middle level personnel of the Division.
Formations participating in the competition include 3 Division Garrison, 33 Artillery Brigade, 23 Brigade, 43 Engineering Brigade and 53 Signal Brigade.
