The Nigerian Army inter formation combat sports and swimming championship has opened in Kaduna with 560 athletes competing in various sports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the athletes were drawn from 1 Division, 2 Division, 3 Division, 8 Division, 81 Division, 82 Division and 6 Division as well as the Army Headquarters Garrison .

The athletes are to compete in boxing, wrestling and combat swimming .

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, while declaring the competition opened on Tuesday in Kaduna, said physical fitness was one of the key areas of capacity building in any army,
Lagbaja was represented by Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Commander, Infantry Corps Nigerian Army.

According to him, since his assumption of office as the Chief of Army Staff, he has reflected on the myriads of security issues bedeviling the nation and the need to enhance Nigerian Army capacity to combat the challenges.

“As we all know, physical fitness is one of the key areas of capacity building in any army, hence I considered it imperative to ensure the promotion of physical fitness of all Nigerian Army personnel.

“This informed the careful articulation

of my command philosophy which is: to transform the Nigerian Army into well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force to achieve the constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

He emphasised that there was no gainsaying that the current operating environment was volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

” As such, we have to enhance capacity for efficient employment of all hands to achieve desired results through group training.

“We are therefore stepping up all aspects of our combat readiness in line with best practices to effectively confront contemporary adversaries.

He explained that enhancing the physical endurance and operational readiness of troops will be accorded due priority across board.

“I therefore expect that this championship, involving boxing, wrestling and combat swimming, will go a long way in boosting our confidence, warrior ethos and survivability techniques, ” he said.

The COAS appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his strategic direction and unflinching support to the Nigerian Army.

Lagbaja urged the competitors to make the best use of the championship to display high level of fitness and the spirit of comradeship.

Cross section of some of the participants.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army Ladies, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, said the objectives of the competition was to improve troops combat proficiency.

It will also enhance physical fitness, troops leadership traits, use of initiative and also promote esprit de corps.

Alabi said the championship was also intended to prepare troops for battle in view of the current security challenges in the country.

“It is pertinent to state that the effort and investment that have been put into organising this championship is a clear indication of the premium the COAS places on ensuring the operational readiness of the NA under a competitive sporting atmosphere.

Alabi urged participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously and abide by its rules.

The GOC appreciated the COAS for providing necessary resources and logistics for the smooth conduct of the competition.

NAN reports that the week long event is expected to end on July 28