Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, emphasized the importance of sustained and realistic training to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness in tackling the nation’s complex security challenges. This statement was made during the 2025 Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Cross Country Competition, which was hosted by the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja. Represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Courses and Examination), Maj.-Gen. Ayoola Aboaba, Oluyede highlighted the event’s role in testing the physical fitness, discipline, and combat preparedness of troops.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS asserted that the competition serves as a critical platform for formations to evaluate and bolster their combat capabilities. He remarked, “Training is the lifeblood of every professional army,” emphasizing the necessity for personnel to consistently enhance their skills and maintain optimal physical and mental fitness to remain effective against terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.
Oluyede acknowledged Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, which demands a force that is adaptable, proactive, and always ready for complex operations across multiple theatres. He encouraged troops to perceive the competition as an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, discipline, and operational synergy, rather than merely a contest. He stressed that the true victory lies in improved performance, renewed commitment, and mission success, urging that the lessons learned from the competition should be evident in field operations.
The COAS praised the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) for organizing the event and ensuring that the Army’s training standards align with global best practices. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continuous support and confidence in the transformation drive of the Nigerian Army.
The competition brought together formations from across the country, showcasing endurance as part of efforts to sustain combat efficiency and operational excellence. The 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos emerged as the overall winner, finishing at 01 hour, 9 minutes, and 4 seconds. Following closely, the 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna secured second place with a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 4 seconds, while the 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos claimed third place, finishing at 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 9 seconds.
Participating formations included 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81 Divisions, as well as the Army Headquarters Garrison and 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State. Individual awards were also presented to officers and soldiers who completed the run in the shortest time, with a total of 288 officers and soldiers participating in the competition.