KADUNA – The 1Division Nigerian Army Inter Brigade Officers combat proficiency competition has began in Kaduna on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 42 officers are participating in the competition which will end on August 9.

It involves weapons handling, Shooting, Map reading, Obstacles crossing and Swimming among others.

Flagging off the competition, General Officer Commanding the Division, Maj.-Gen Faruk Yahaya, said the essence was to keep the officers professionally responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He disclosed that most of the the participants are currently invloved in various operations, such as Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Sharan Daji among others.

“Despite all the assignment that has taken 1Divsion officers out, we still insist that the exercise must be carried out so that we can remain professional always.

“Officers are leaders and commanders and for you to lead, you must be knowledgeable.

“Knowledge is key and at this point of time, officers need to be physically fit, so that that they can assist their combat teams,” he said.

The GOC disclosed that the competition will be used to test the participants’ ability to lead troops under them.

“As you lead your men, it is required you dislpay the qualities of an officer; knowledge, physical fitness, integrity, courage and confidence among others.

“I urge you all to put in your very best and compete in tandem with the guidelines of the Chief umpire.”

Yahaya said though winning a competition is always great, however, “it’s not the most important, what is important is to participate and practice and display good qualities.

“Put in your best in the competition and don’t loose sight of the aim of the competition.”

Earlier, the host and Garrison Commander, 1 Division, Brig.-Gen. Jimmy Apkor, disclosed that the three Bridgades, namely, 31 Artillery Brigade Minna, 3 Brigade Kano and 1Division Garrison are participating.

NAN report that in the first competition on stripping and assembly of AK47, 1 Division Garrisons came first, followed by 3 brigade Kano and 31 artillery brigade Minna in third position.

The competition is holding at the Ribadu Cantonment, Nigerian Defence Academy old site Sports ground.