Nigerian Army Commences 2025 Inter-Formations Combat Platoon Orienteering Championship In Igbeti
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
The peaceful town of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State came alive with energy on Tuesday as the Nigerian Army formally flagged off the 2025 Inter-Formations Combat Platoon Orienteering and Adventure Championship.
The event, which runs as part of the Nigerian Army’s official training calendar, is aimed at enhancing the physical, tactical, and psychological capabilities of troops across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour and Chief of Training (Army), Major General AS Ndalolo, described the championship as a strategic component of the Army’s combat readiness program.
“This championship is designed to improve your leadership traits, inculcate self-confidence, and improve your physical fitness,” he told the assembled troops.
“All of which are essential qualities required in the contemporary and dynamic battlefield environment.”
The weeklong championship will see troops from formations such as the Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja, 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 8 Division Sokoto, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu, and the 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State compete in demanding exercises. These include physical fitness assessments, 5km runs, navigation tests, and the grueling 15km dash back, each carefully curated to simulate battlefield pressures and enhance individual and group endurance.
Major General Ndalolo emphasized that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TO Oluyede, remains committed to regular, rigorous, and realistic training. He commended the COAS for providing the strategic guidance, moral support, and logistics that made the championship possible.
“It is important to reiterate that training remains a key enabler of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy,” Ndalolo stated.
“That is: to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
He encouraged all participating formations to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship, and professionalism throughout the competition.
“I urge all of you to participate in the championship with a high sense of discipline, honesty, and fairness,” he charged, reminding them that the exercises were not just about competition but building resilience and sharpening warfighting instincts.
To the officiating staff, he warned: “You must be fair and firm in your decisions to ensure that the integrity of the championship is maintained.”
The Onigbeti of Igbeti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Bashir Olalekan Abioye, Siyanbola IV, was recognized for granting permission and providing community support for the hosting of the event.
The Chief of Training also acknowledged the people of Igbeti for their hospitality and praised the synergy between the military and local communities, noting that such cooperation enhances national security.
In attendance were representatives of sister security agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force, whose presence reinforced the theme of inter-agency collaboration in national security efforts. Ndalolo noted that the Nigerian Army was not operating in isolation but as part of a broader national framework, stating:
“This championship is a testimony to our commitment to build operational synergy and improve collaboration with other security agencies as we jointly confront the myriad of security challenges facing our dear nation.”