By Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA – The authority of Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the ability of men of the Nigerian Army to tackle contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.

The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division , Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Hassan Edet stated this in his clossing remarks at the 81 division corporal and below competition 2016 held at 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta on Friday.

Maj-Gen Edet whose speech was read by 59 Division Signal Commander, Brig-Gen. Daniel Adeyemi explained that the authority of the Army was worried over the fitness and thus, organised a-one-week competition for the soldiers with a view to making them fit physically and emotionally.

The soldiers who were drawn from four formations in Lagos and Ogun states , were made to compete in weapon handling, physical fitness and obstacle crossing, map reading, drill, combat swimming and live weapon handling which culminate into live firing for one week.

According to the GOC, this event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concern on the ability of our troops and indeed the Nigerian Army to tackle contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.

“The current security challenges in the country have brought to the fore the existing gaps in our training necessitating a reorientation at all levels especially, at the lower cadre.

“As professional soldiers, the need for you to be physically and emotionally prepared to carry out your duty in any circumstance can only be achieved through regular training.

“The objectives of this competition therefore are to improve your physical fitness, organisational ability, use of initiative, team spirit and enhance your leadership traits as well as promote esprit -de- corps amongst you. It is also intended to prepare you for the battle at all times in view of the present security challenges in the country”.

The Officer Commanding 35, Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Muhammed Sanni Dan Walis who hosted the competition lauded the Chief of Army Staff and other superior officers for organising the competition for the corporal and below men with a view to improving their physical and emotional condition.

He said the event has bridged the gaps amongst the soldiers and has developed them.

At the end of the event,81 Division Garrison emerged overall best formation with 895 points while 35 Artillery Brigade came second with 818 point and nine brigade scored 809 points to emerge third.