The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged participants in the ongoing 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WOs/SNCOs) Combat Proficiency Competition 2026 to uphold discipline, professionalism and excellence throughout the exercise.
According to the official statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, the military remains committed to sustaining ongoing security operations across its area of responsibility. The GOC gave the charge during the opening ceremony of the competition held on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the 192 Battalion Parade Ground, Owode-Yewa, Ogun State.
Represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General HM Bello, the GOC described the competition as a vital platform for assessing professional competence, reinforcing military standards and enhancing operational effectiveness across the Division.
Major General Babalola emphasized that WOs and SNCOs remain the bedrock of discipline and operational efficiency in the military, serving as custodians of standards and a critical link between officers and soldiers. He noted that the competition would test participants’ leadership qualities, military knowledge, physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure while promoting professional camaraderie and the exchange of best practices among formations.
He urged participants to conduct themselves with integrity, sportsmanship and strict adherence to laid-down procedures, stressing that standards would not be compromised.
Earlier, the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, represented by the Acting Commanding Officer Admin Battalion, Major SS Maikasuwa, stated that the competition was designed to enhance leadership skills, professional competence, esprit de corps and combat readiness among WOs and SNCOs in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
He thanked the GOC for his continued support and for entrusting the Garrison with hosting the competition.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers. Highlights included the inspection of contingents and the administration of the oath of impartiality by the Chief Umpire.