The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has praised the unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence demonstrated by Nigerian Army formations during the just-concluded Inter-Formations Combat Platoon Orienteering and Adventure Championship held in Igbeti, Oyo State.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on July 26, 2025, through his representative, Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General TT Numbere, the COAS commended participants for their exceptional tactical skill, physical endurance, and mental toughness displayed throughout the championship.
“This competition is more than a test of endurance and navigation. It reflects the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to combat readiness and operational excellence,” Oluyede stated. “You have proven yourselves worthy of the proud legacy of the Nigerian Army. I am confident you will continue to distinguish yourselves in service to our nation.”
The Army Chief lauded the efforts of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, and his team for successfully organizing the week-long event. He also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support to the Nigerian Army, noting that such commitment forms the bedrock of initiatives aimed at enhancing military capability.
In his welcome remarks, Major General Onubogu acknowledged the professionalism and discipline of all participants, emphasizing the importance of continuous, rigorous training even during peacetime. “The military profession belongs to the strong-minded. Training like this ensures readiness for unforeseen challenges,” he noted.
The championship tested troops in three demanding categories: a 5km endurance run carrying 12.5kg, GPS-guided point-to-point navigation, and a 15km tactical dash in full gear. Formations from across the country competed, including 1 Division (Kaduna), 2 Division (Ibadan), 3 Division (Jos), 4 Special Forces Command (Doma), 6 Division (Port Harcourt), 7 Division (Maiduguri), 8 Division (Sokoto), 81 Division (Lagos), 82 Division (Enugu), and the Army Headquarters Garrison (Abuja).
At the end of the closely contested events, the Army Headquarters Garrison emerged overall champions, with 4 Special Forces Command and 3 Division placing second and third respectively. The host, 2 Division, finished fourth, while the remaining positions were claimed by 81, 6, 7, 8, and 1 Divisions.
The event was attended by senior military officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of security agencies, including Major General M. Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training (Army), and the Onigbeti of Igbeti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Engineer Bashir Olalekan Abioye, Siyanbola IV.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of trophies, medals, and souvenirs to outstanding formations and dignitaries.
