By Miriam Humbe, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has told troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) to continually train in order to maintain the level of operational successes recently recorded in decimating criminalities in the country.
The COAS was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Inter Formations Combat Company Cross Country Competition 2023 held at the Small Arms Range Miango, Jos in Plateau State.
He said that, to be successful during operations, troops must be fit, have endurance and combat readiness to face the adversaries as that was the essence of the combat competition.
The Chief of Army Staff commended the organisers of the competition for adhering to the prescribed standard of military exercise.
He expressed optimism that lessons learnt from the combat competition would go a long way to improve not only the performance of troops in future but also serve a means to enhance troops physical and mental well-being towards successes in their future military endeavours.
The COAS congratulated the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim for the successful hosting of the event.
He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army.
He further commended the participants for the team work, discipline and spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition.
The COAS presented trophies to the champion and winners.
He urged the participants to embrace the culture of individual fitness training and spirit of teamwork.
Participants for the competition were drawn from all the divisions of the Nigerian Army.
It featured 5 Kilometers combat race through difficult terrains, beam heaving, sit up, push up, vertical rope climbing as well as step up bench test and 15 kilometers combat cross country race.
At the end of the competition, 3 Division emerged first in the order of merit, while 2 Division came Second and 6 Division third position.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior military officers both serving and retired, government officials and traditional rulers from Jos.
Highpoint of the event was presentation of trophies and awards to individuals and formations.
