Training Is Fundamental To Regimentation and Military Professionalism – Air Commodore Imoke

Training Is Fundamental To Regimentation and Military Professionalism – Air Commodore Imoke

In a bid to enhance professionalism, combat readiness and leadership capacity among junior soldiers, the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison has on Monday, 20 April 2026, commenced the 2026 Corporals and Below Competition. The opening ceremony which was held at AHQ Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment Asokoro, Abuja brought together participants from AHQ Departments, Commands and Establishments within Abuja less Guards Brigade that formed 4 teams (teams Alpha, Bravos, Charlie and team Delta respectively) and keenly completed for the exercise.

Giving his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Commander 053 HQ Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Camp Abuja, Air Commodore Emeng Imoke commended the Commander AHQ Garrison for organizing the competition and for his commitment to capacity building and inter-service collaboration. He described the training of corporals and below as fundamental to regimentation and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the training comes at a critical time as the Nigerian Army consolidates its successes in ongoing operations against insurgency, armed banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges across the country. He further paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation and urged participants to honour their sacrifices by remaining committed, disciplined and focused throughout the competition.

Air Commodore Imoke reiterated that the competition is not only aimed at winning laurels but also at instilling the warrior ethos and strengthening team spirit among participants. He commended the turnout and impressive display of discipline by the soldiers and encouraged them to sustain the standard throughout the exercise.

Earlier, giving the welcome address, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana who was represented by the Chief of Staff AHQ Garrison, Brigadier General Peter Elayo described the competition as a vital component of the Nigerian Army’s training calendar. He stated that the exercise is designed to sharpen the professional competence, physical fitness and fighting spirit of corporals and below.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Army places high premium on continuous, realistic and mission-oriented training as a means of sustaining operational effectiveness. He added that the competition provides a structured platform to test the skills, endurance and mental alertness of soldiers under controlled but demanding conditions, while also promoting teamwork, healthy rivalry and the pursuit of excellence.

The Chief of Staff further disclosed that activities lined up for the competition include drill, weapon handling, shooting, combat swimming, 10 Km cross country run, map reading and obstacle crossing competition, all carefully selected to reflect core military competencies. He urged participants to exhibit discipline, determination and sportsmanship, while adhering strictly to safety regulations throughout the exercise.

While announcing the results, the Chief Judge Major Opeyemi Sobo maintained that the assessment was based on established criteria including participants turnout, words of command and arms drills amongst others. He declared Team Delta as the winner of the 2026 Drill Competition with a total aggregate scores of 420 points. Team Charlie emerged second position with a total scores of 394 points, followed by team Alpha with 386 points and with 378 points team Bravo merged fourth position on the scoreboard.

In his vote of thanks, the Garrison Training Officer Brigadier General Aliyu Adamu expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu NAM, for his leadership style and approval of resources for the smooth conduct of the exercise. He also extended his appreciation to the Principal Staff Officers in Army Headquarters for thier support to AHQ Garrison Training School as well the Commander AHQ Garrison for his guidance to the Garrison Training School. He congratulated Team Delta for their success and urged the competing teams to redoubles their efforts to emerge victoriously in the subsequent events.

Present at the event were Commanders of AHQ Garrison affiliated formations and personnel from paramilitary agencies as well as other distinguished guests.