Security
3 Brigade wins inter-brigade combat proficiency competition in Kano
The 3 Brigade, Kano, on Thursday emerged winner in the One Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below combat proficiency Competition 2025.
The four days competition was held at 3 Brigade, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, among three formations under one Division of the Nigerian Army.
The Chief Judge, Lt. Col. Mustaheen Edu, who announced the results after the four-day keen contest, said 3 Brigade scored 1,096 points to emerge overall winners of the competition.
He said that 1 Division Kaduna came second with 956.5 and 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna came third with 857 points each.
He said that the formations participated in various activities including drill, weapon handling, combat swimming, map reading, 10 km fitness test, obstacle crossing among others.
Participants who distinguished themselves in various events contested for were given award prizes in the male and female categories.
Winners in each event were presented with trophies, while 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna was given a wooden spoon having emerged third position.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Mayerinso Saraso, emphasised the importance of training in the Army.
Saraso noted that the annual competition was organized to test the endurance, improving junior leadership skills, and instilling discipline and initiative among Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) within a specified rank bracket in the Division.
He said that the exercise also seeks to enhance combat proficiency, marksmanship, and physical fitness through regular training.
“It is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Command Philosophy, which is “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“The competition featured three formations, all drawn from 1 Division. Each formation—3 Brigade, 1 Division Garrison, and 31 Artillery Brigade—nominated 55 participants to take part in the event.
“Judging by the enthusiasm and preparedness of the participants for the concluding event, it is evident that the objectives of the competition have been largely achieved, based on the outcomes recorded in the earlier events,” he said.
The special guest of honor, Air Cmdre Sani Zakari Rtd, urged the participants whose best was not good enough to accept their position in the spirit of sportsmanship and return to training with renewed determination, as the road to the future remains a continuous journey.
He said that the Nigerian Army, under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, continued to forge ahead in its drive for professionalism and excellence.
Zakari urged the troops to sustain effective training, which remains the best form of welfare.
“This aligns with the popular quote by the late American General, Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who said: “The more you sweat in peacetime, the less you bleed during war,” he added.
Zakari appreciated the GOC Maj.-Gen. Mayerinso Saraso, for organising the event, which has direct impact on junior leadership development.
He also commended the Commander of 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur for providing such excellent training facilities.
“General, you have done well. Your organising team is a testament to your commendable leadership. I encourage you to sustain the momentum,” he said.
The Commander, 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur said the competition was organised to foster team spirit and enhance the combat readiness of officers in preparation for future operations.
He said the objectives of the four-day competition were successfully achieved.
Tukur commended the participants for their performance and urged them to remain committed and productive in their assigned duties.
The commander also appreciated the team of umpires and heads of other security agencies who witnessed the exercise.
About The Author
Brig.-Gen. Samaila Mohammed Uba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and seasoned strategic communication expert, has assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI).
The handover ceremony, which held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), followed a recent reorganisation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Uba, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), succeeded Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, whom he commended for his achievements during his tenure.
In his inaugural address, the new DDI pledged to reposition the directorate under four key priorities — unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration.
He also lauded his predecessor for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Born on July 1, 1968, in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Uba began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Short Service Combatant Course 30 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993.
He initially served in the Directorate of Army Public Relations before transferring to the Infantry Corps.
His educational background includes Tudun Wada Primary School and Saint Thomas Secondary School, Kano, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate in 1981 and 1986, respectively.
He later bagged a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 2009 and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.
Uba attended several military courses, including the Senior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh.
He held several command, staff, and instructional appointments such as Officer in Charge of Administration at the Infantry Centre and School, Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Borno, and Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Contingent to the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda.
He also served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff, and later as a directing staff and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji.
Uba was seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, as the Defence Headquarters Training Team Leader, where he trained customs officers in command and staff duties.
He also served as Deputy Director, Peacekeeping Operations, and Director, Personnel Services, at the Army Headquarters, before becoming Director, Department of Joint Studies, AFCSC, Jaji.
A recipient of numerous awards, Uba holds the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Passed Staff Course (Double Dagger ++), National Defence College (Bangladesh) medal, Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.
He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Nigerian Society of International Affairs.
Brig.-Gen. Uba is married with children and enjoys playing squash and reading.
About The Author
About The Author
About The Author
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