Nigerian Army Formations Have Demonstrated Unbreakable Spirit, Unshakable Commitment To Excellence — Lt. Gen. Oluyede

Nigerian Army Formations Have Demonstrated Unbreakable Spirit, Unshakable Commitment To Excellence — Lt. Gen. Oluyede

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, has said that formations of the Nigerian Army have demonstrated that the army possesses an unbreakeable spirit, and unshakeable commitment to excellence. He made the assertion during the closing ceremony of the NA Inter Formations Combat Platoon Orienteering and Adventure Championship, held at Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State, on 26 July, 2025.

While delivering the closing remarks, the COAS, who was represented by Commander, NA Corps of Engineers, Major General TT Numbere, noted that the excellent display by participants during the competition, testifies to the tactical brilliance, and physical resilience typical of NA troops. He added that the competition does not just represent mere contest of endurance and navigation, rather, a bold statement of Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to combat readiness, and operational excellence.

The Army Chief, praised troops for their overall performance, saying that the records of their physical fitness tests, point – to – point navigation under pressure, and other rigorous training activities, prove that NA troops are not just physically capable but mentally resilient, and tactically astute. “You have proven yourselves worthy of the proud legacy of the NA. I have no doubt that you will continue to distinguish yourselves in service to our fatherland”, he added.

The COAS commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, and his team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the competition recorded huge success.

The COAS, also acknowledged with exceptional gratitude, the President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the NA. “His commitment to military excellence, and national security provides the foundation upon which initiatives like this competition thrive”, he added. General Oluyede, further assured that the NA will remain steadfast in its loyalty and dedication to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and constitution.

Earlier in a welcome address, the GOC 2 Division, appreciated Almighty God for the seamless events during the competition, while commending participants across all NA formations, for their professional display of determination, and unwavering discipline. He noted that the military profession belongs to the strong minded, and as such, there is the need for constant and rigorous training in peacetime, in order to prepare adequately for the unforeseen he added.

Some of the Guests that witnessed the closing ceremony were the Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Major General M Etsu-Ndagi, the Onigbeti of Igbeti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Engineer Bashir Olalekan Abioye, Siyanbola IV, the Deputy Chairman Olorunsogo LGA, heads of security agencies and Division Training Officers from across formations of the Nigerian Army.

The NA Inter Formations Combat Platoon Orientering and Adventure Championship is a new initiative that tests officers and soldiers in 3 key sporting and tactical events namely; a 5km run bearing a weight of 12.5kg per participant, point – to – point navigation using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and a 15km dash back with full tactical gear.

The formations that participated in the competition include; 1 Division Kaduna, the host, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, and 6 Division Portharcourt. Others were; 8 Division Sokoto, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu, Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison, Abuja, and 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State. Preliminary results of the different events, revealed that the competition was closely contested. However, in the final analysis, AHQ Garrison finished 1st position overall, while 4 Special Forces Command and 3 Division came 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. The host formation occupied the 4th position, leaving 5th – 9th positions to 81, 6, 7, 8, and 1 Divisions respectively.

The week long event was climaxed with presentation of trophies, medals and souvenirs to formations, participants, and invited dignitaries.