The 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Thursday, 23 April 2026, emerged overall champion of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026, which was held from 20 to 23 April 2026. The competition was hosted by 4 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, in Benin City, remarked Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, NA 4 Brigade, Benin City in his press statement.
Commander 4 Brigade Benin City
In his welcome address, the Commander 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, disclosed that the competition is designed to improve combat proficiency, leadership skills, organizational ability, teamwork, endurance, and to promote esprit de corps among soldiers of junior ranks. He added that it also challenges their initiative and prepares them for higher responsibilities.
He noted that the competition is not just about winning or losing, but about fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and continuous improvement. “It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and building stronger bonds within our ranks. The lessons learned and the experiences shared here will undoubtedly enhance our operational effectiveness and strengthen our team spirit,” he said.
He further appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for the confidence reposed in the Brigade to host this year’s Corporals and Below Competition, as well as for his commitment to improving training and the welfare of personnel.
In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, expressed satisfaction that the objectives of the competition had been largely achieved. He stated that he had no doubt that the various events contested by the formations had significantly improved their physical and mental capacity, enhanced leadership traits, and strengthened organizational ability, while also preparing them for operational engagements in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation.
He further charged participants to take back to their respective formations the experience and knowledge gained during the competition and translate them into remarkable achievements in the field for the benefit of their formations and the Nigerian Army at large.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his unwavering commitment to the development of junior non-commissioned officers, whom he described as the backbone of the Army. He added that 2 Division remains grateful for the COAS’s strategic guidance and support. He also commended the planning team for ensuring that the competition was fair, challenging, and reflective of real-world operational standards
The 2026 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition featured events such as drill competition, combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country race, and obstacle crossing.
Participating formations included 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 42 Engineers Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.
At the end of the competition, 4 Brigade, emerged overall champion, while 12 Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison, came second and third respectively.
The ceremony was graced by heads of security agencies in Edo State, as well as friends of the Brigade. Highlights of the closing ceremony included obstacle crossing competition among formations, presentation of awards, souvenirs, and group photographs.