The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s complex security challenges can be overcome through the dedication and professionalism of tested and proven soldiers within the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Inter-Formation Combat Platoon Orienteering and Adventure Championship held in Igbeti, Oyo State, and hosted by the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Oluyede highlighted the significance of the soldiers’ performance.

Represented by the Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Maj.-Gen. T.T. Numbere, the Army Chief praised the display of skill, discipline, and leadership character shown by the participants, noting that such qualities are crucial in any operational environment.

“Nigeria’s security situation is undoubtedly complex, but it is troops like you—battle-tested, capable, and committed—who will safeguard our nation’s peace and stability,” he said.

He urged the participants to return to their respective formations with renewed determination and a strong sense of purpose. According to him, the country is counting on their competence and unwavering dedication to overcome the prevailing security threats.

Oluyede noted that the championship had successfully fulfilled its goal of boosting operational readiness through a competitive and challenging environment. He added that the skills honed during the event would sharpen the soldiers’ preparedness in facing adversaries.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering loyalty and dedication to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and upholding the constitution.

The Army Chief further advised the troops to carry forward the lessons learned by institutionalizing best practices in their training schools and formations.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, applauded the participants for their grit, discipline, and perseverance throughout the four-day championship.

He noted that military service is not for the faint-hearted, emphasizing the importance of continuous and rigorous training to prepare for unforeseen challenges.

“This competition may have been tough, but you have all shown remarkable resilience and a strong will to succeed,” Onubogu said.

He added that combat orienteering goes beyond navigation—it cultivates adaptability and tactical acumen necessary to dominate the battlefield, use terrain to one’s advantage, and neutralize threats effectively.

The GOC encouraged participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the competition in real-life operations whenever needed.

Formations that took part in the championship included the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja; 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; 8 Division, Sokoto; 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; and the 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State.

The competition featured multiple events such as a 5-kilometre run, physical fitness assessments, point-to-point navigation, and a demanding 15-kilometre dash.

Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, emerged as the overall winner. The 4 Special Forces Command came in second, while 3 Division, Jos, secured third place.

The event was attended by the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, and representatives from other security agencies.