Nigerian Army’s 3 Division Launches Combat Proficiency Competition to Foster Professionalism and Skills Enhancement

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has urged officers to maintain strict discipline and dedication to duty, emphasizing the core values that characterize the Nigerian Army. This call to action came during the opening ceremony of the Division’s highly anticipated combat proficiency competition held at the 82 Battalion Parade Ground in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, on Monday, August 18, 2025. The event brought together state government officials, senior military officers, and heads of various security and paramilitary organizations across the state.

Declaring the competition open, Major General Oyinlola underscored that the competition transcends mere contests; it serves as a pivotal opportunity to fortify camaraderie among the participants, reaffirm the commitment to professionalism, and hone the essential skills that define the Nigerian Army. “Our strength lies not only in numbers but in our discipline, resilience, and unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty. This competition is a testament to that ethos,” he stated.

The GOC characterized the week-long event as a foundational component of the Division’s training cycle, aimed at enhancing the combat readiness, tactical proficiency, leadership skills, and teamwork abilities of participating officers. “These elements are critical for effective military operations,” he noted, highlighting the necessity for field commanders to adapt to evolving security threats in an increasingly dynamic battle environment.

In a show of appreciation, Major General Oyinlola commended the competition’s organizers for their careful planning and the enthusiasm exhibited by the participating formations, which reflect the unit pride deeply rooted in the Nigerian Army. He encouraged all participants to embrace innovation and continuous self-development, asserting that “excellence begins at the unit level.” He further urged them to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, pledging that they would emerge from the competition more skilled and knowledgeable while adhering to safety protocols.

The GOC extended his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen OO Oluyede, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in prioritizing training across the Nigerian Army. He also acknowledged the collaboration of security and paramilitary agencies, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to secure the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens.

Brigadier General Adiyu Aminu, Commander of 3 Division Garrison, welcomed attendees and articulated the significance of the event. “This competition is timely as we continue to prioritize the training of our personnel to ensure they remain equipped to fulfill their duties in line with global best practices,” he said. He elaborated on how the competition is designed to enhance officers’ competencies and effectiveness, aligning with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy.

The competition involves participants from six formations across the division, including 6 Brigade Jalingo, 23 Brigade Yola, 33 Brigade Bauchi, 43 Engineers Brigade Jos, and the host formation, 3 Div Gar. Activities set to take place during the event include combat-oriented challenges such as tug of war, combat swimming, map reading, combat races, skill at arms, and an obstacle course. The occasion commenced with a tug of war competition, where 3 Div Gar emerged victorious, setting the tone for the events to follow.