The 81 Division Garrison has emerged overall winner of the 2025 Combat Proficiency Competition organized by the Division. The event, which commenced on 18 August 2025 at 192 Battalion, Owode, Ogun State, climaxed with an Obstacle Crossing contest on 21 August 2025.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, said the competition was held in line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events and the Division’s Training Directive 2025.
Delivering his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, explained that the competition was designed to enhance leadership skills, professional competence, battle readiness, and esprit de corps among officers. He stressed that the event also prepared subalterns for higher responsibilities in the face of evolving security challenges.
The GOC expressed optimism that the competition had sharpened participants’ skills, boosted mental alertness, and underscored the importance of teamwork and team spirit, which remain vital hallmarks of military service.
At the end of the competition, 81 Division Garrison clinched the overall trophy with 370 points, winning the Combat Swimming and Physical Fitness/Obstacle Crossing categories. 9 Brigade secured second place with 360 points, excelling in Map Reading/Navigation and Skill-at-Arms/Shooting categories. 45 Engineer Brigade came third with 320 points, while 35 Artillery Brigade finished fourth with 310 points.
Maj Gen Mijinyawa expressed confidence that the lessons from the competition will reflect positively in the Division’s training and operational engagements.
The closing ceremony was graced by traditional rulers, commanders of 81 Division formations, senior officers, commanding officers, and heads of security agencies and organizations. Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of trophies, souvenirs to dignitaries, a vote of thanks by the Commanding Officer 192 Battalion (Rear) on behalf of the host formation, and group photographs.
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