…GOC Hails Troops’ Professionalism, Urges Sustained Training Culture
In a spirited showcase of discipline, endurance, and tactical excellence, the 32 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Akure, has emerged overall winner of the 2025 2 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCOs) Competition.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a spirited showcase of discipline, endurance, and tactical excellence, the 32 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Akure, has emerged overall winner of the 2025 2 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCOs) Competition.
The four-day event, which concluded on Thursday, 19 June 2025, was hosted at Owena Cantonment, Akure, and featured rigorous drills designed to test the operational readiness and military proficiency of formations under the 2 Division’s Area of Responsibility.
The 32 Brigade outshone its peers to claim first place, while the 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan, and 42 Engineer Brigade, also based in Ibadan, came second and third respectively. Others in the final rankings were 12 Brigade Lokoja (fourth), 4 Brigade Benin (fifth), and 22 Brigade Ilorin, which placed last.
The Special Guest of Honour and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, applauded the commitment and professionalism displayed by all participants. Represented at the closing ceremony by Brigadier General Adeboye Obasanjo, Commander, Engineer Construction Command, Ede, Osun State, the GOC emphasized the critical role of continuous training in confronting Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape.
“We must not lose sight of the asymmetric nature of the security threats confronting our dear country,” he said. “It requires constant training and preparedness to outmatch and defeat our adversaries, in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s command philosophy.”
Congratulating the 32 Brigade for its outstanding performance, the GOC described the victory as a testament to the formation’s dedication to consistent training and operational preparedness.
He also extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alongside other security stakeholders and the people of Ondo State, for their continued support to the brigade in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
The competition featured a series of demanding military tasks including Arms Drill, Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Weapon Handling, and Obstacle Crossing—designed to test both physical endurance and mental acuity.
Notable dignitaries at the closing ceremony included the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Sagiru Samaila; and heads of other security agencies in the state.
The event climaxed with the presentation of trophies to the winning formations, individual awards for exceptional performance, and souvenirs to distinguished guests.