8 Division Garrison Wins 2026 Army Inter-Brigade Competition

The 8 Division Garrison clinched overall victory at the 2026 Nigerian Army Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition held in Sokoto.

The five-day exercise, which ended on Thursday at the Obstacle Ground, brought together junior soldiers from multiple formations in a rigorous test of combat readiness, endurance, and tactical coordination.

At the end of the contest, the 8 Division Garrison secured first place, finishing ahead of the 1st Brigade and the 58 Signal Brigade, which placed second and third respectively.

The annual competition is a key component of the Army’s training cycle, designed to evaluate the operational capacity of corporals and other junior ranks, personnel widely regarded as critical to battlefield execution.

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Participants were subjected to a series of physically demanding and mentally intensive drills, including weapon handling, obstacle navigation, map reading, endurance marches, and simulated tactical operations structured to mirror real combat scenarios.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgba Koughna, said the exercise underscored the Army’s commitment to building a responsive and battle-ready force.

“This remarkable event is the product of hard work, discipline, and resourcefulness,” he said. “We have witnessed passion, resilience, skill, and professionalism, all of which reflect the combat readiness of our troops.”

He stressed that beyond competition, the exercise serves as a strategic tool for measuring how effectively units have internalised evolving training doctrines and for strengthening operational capabilities.

Koughna urged participants to return to their units with lessons learned and intensify preparations for future deployments, particularly in light of ongoing security challenges in the North-West.

He noted that sustained training remains vital in countering banditry, insurgency, and other emerging threats in the region.

The GOC also acknowledged the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Shaibu Waidi, describing it as pivotal to the success of the exercise, while commending organisers for seamless coordination.

The competition concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding teams and a formal declaration of closure, as participating troops began their return to respective formations.