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The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026 commenced on Monday, 20 April 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The week-long combat competition is being hosted by 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
In his welcome remarks, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, thanked God for the safe arrival of participants to Benin City, despite the growing security challenges confronting the nation, in which the Nigerian Army is increasingly engaged.
He further noted that the essence of the Corporals and Below Competition is to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, organisational ability, teamwork, endurance, and to promote esprit de corps among junior soldiers, thereby preparing them to effectively counter emerging security threats.
He also highlighted that events to be competed for during the week-long exercise include drill, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country run/obstacle crossing, map reading, and combat swimming.
In his opening address, the Special Guest of Honour, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who was represented by the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, urged the competing formations to conduct themselves professionally throughout the competition.
He noted that with a team of impartial umpires and judges carefully selected, there would be fairness, stressing that no team would be favoured or victimised.
He further disclosed that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free competition, and urged all participants and officials to take the competition seriously and adhere strictly to the rules.
He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for providing the necessary resources to host the competition. He equally appreciated the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training (AHQ DAT) for their support in enhancing the combat competition every year.
The 2026 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition has the following formations participating: 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 42/52 Engineers and Signals Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.
According to Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the ssistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, added in a statement that the ceremony was graced by heads of security agencies in Edo State and friends of the Brigade. Highlights of Day One of the events included the drill competition among formations.
