In a remarkable display of professionalism, discipline, and combat readiness, 32 Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), Akure, has emerged overall winner of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WO/SNCO) Competition 2025, held from June 16–19 at Owena Cantonment, Akure.
The host formation, 32 Brigade, outperformed other participating brigades within the 2 Division’s area of responsibility. 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan secured second place, while 42 Engineers Brigade, Ibadan, came third.
Other rankings included 12 Brigade, Lokoja (4th); 4 Brigade, Benin (5th); and 22 Brigade, Ilorin, finishing at the bottom.
Training, Tenacity and Team Spirit
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, lauded the commitment and enthusiasm of the troops throughout the competition.
Represented by Brigadier General Adeboye Obasanjo, Commander, Engineer Construction Command, Ede, Osun State, the GOC emphasized the importance of continuous training for Nigerian Army personnel.
> “Training and retraining of NA personnel is necessary and essential to prepare and develop tactics, techniques and procedures in order to adequately deal with the evolving security challenges facing the country today,” Brigadier General Obasanjo stated.
He further noted:
> “We must also not forget the attendant consequences of the asymmetric dimension of the security challenges bedeviling our dear country, which requires constant training in order to be able to conquer and defeat our adversaries in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s command philosophy.”
A Milestone for 32 Brigade
General Onubogu commended 32 Brigade on their exceptional performance, describing the victory as a “true reflection of their commitment to training and rehearsals.” He also expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the people of Ondo for their continued support to the Nigerian Army.
> “We thank the good people of Ondo State, the Executive Governor, and heads of security agencies for their unflinching support and cooperation shown to personnel of 32 Brigade in the discharge of their constitutional roles in the state,” he said.
Intense Military Drills and Ceremonial Highlights
The four-day competition featured a series of military exercises including Arms Drill, Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Weapon Handling, and Obstacle Crossing, all designed to test the physical and mental agility of the participants.
Top military and civil dignitaries attended the event, including Commissioner of Police Ondo State, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; Director, Department of State Services (DSS) Ondo State, Mr. Sagiru Samaila; and other heads of security agencies in the state.
The grand finale was marked by trophy presentations to winning formations, individual awards for outstanding bravery and skill, and souvenirs to distinguished guests.
