*4 BRIGADE HOSTS 2 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY INTER-BRIGADE CORPORALS AND BELOW COMPETITION 2026 IN BENIN CITY*

The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026 commenced on Monday, 20 April 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, the Edo State capital. The week-long combat competition is being hosted by 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

In his welcome address, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, while thanking Almighty God for granting participants safe journey from their respective formations to Benin City, stated that the event could not have come at a better time, given the growing security challenges confronting the nation, in which the Nigerian Army is increasingly engaged. He further noted that the essence of the Corporals and Below Competition is to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, organisational ability, teamwork, endurance, and to promote esprit de corps among junior soldiers, thereby preparing them to effectively counter emerging security threats.

He also highlighted that events to be competed for during the week-long exercise include drill, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country run/obstacle crossing, map reading, and combat swimming.

In his opening remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who was represented by the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, urged the competing formations to conduct themselves professionally throughout the competition. He noted that a team of impartial umpires and judges had been carefully selected to ensure fairness, stressing that no team would be favoured or victimised. He further disclosed that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free competition, and urged all participants and officials to take the competition seriously and adhere strictly to the rules.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for providing the necessary resources to host the competition. He equally appreciated the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training (AHQ DAT) for their support in enhancing the combat competition every year.

The 2026 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition has the following formations participating: 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 42/52 Engineers and Signals Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison. The ceremony was graced by heads of security agencies in Edo State and friends of the Brigade. Highlights of Day One of the events included the drill competition among formations, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.

*KENNEDY ANYANWU*
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
Benin City

20 April 2026

After IGP’s Intervention, Splinter Group Of Retired Officers Escalates Protest To Aso Rock

The protest staged by a group of retired police officers at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday is increasingly being viewed as a factional action, coming despite recent assurances from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force that their grievances are already receiving attention at the highest level.

Only last week, representatives of the retirees had gathered at the entrance to the office of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, where they presented similar concerns regarding the Police Exit Bill and pension matters. During that engagement, the IGP acknowledged their frustrations and gave a firm commitment that their demands would be formally conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also reassured them that their concerns would receive the necessary attention and urged patience as he would revert within weeks but they should let the appropriate institutional process run its course.

In light of this, Monday’s demonstration at the Presidential Villa appears to be the action of a breakaway faction rather than a unified position of all retired officers. While the concerns surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme and the pending Police Exit Bill remain legitimate, the timing of this protest suggests a departure from the collective approach earlier adopted.

Speaking with our correspondent, a security analyst, Mr. Busayo Mogaji, said such uncoordinated actions may weaken the overall strength of the retirees’ demands. “By acting outside the agreed engagement framework, the protesting group risks creating an impression of disunity, which could ultimately slow down progress,” Mogaji said.

He noted that there had already been a clear line of communication and a commitment to escalate the matter to the Presidency. “Allowing that process to mature may have provided a more strategic path to achieving the desired outcome,” Mogaji added.

Dr. Chetachi Ecton Nwoga Pays Courtesy Visit to Imo APC Chairman, Declares Senate Ambition

In a significant political development in , renowned medical professional and philanthropist, , paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the Chairman of the (APC) in the state, , at the party’s headquarters.

Dr. Nwoga’s arrival at the APC Secretariat was met with an overwhelming show of support, as a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered to receive her, creating an atmosphere of excitement and renewed political momentum.

During the meeting, which was described as warm and productive, Dr. Nwoga engaged in extensive discussions with the party chairman on strategic ways she could contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the APC in Imo State. She emphasized her commitment to supporting the administration of , noting that her goal is to collaborate with the party and government to ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends to the people of the state and beyond.

In a major highlight of the visit, Dr. Nwoga formally expressed her intention to contest for the Senate seat representing Owerri Zone. She stated that her decision is driven by a deep passion for service, a desire to bring impactful representation, and her resolve to contribute to legislative development that will uplift her constituency.

Responding, Chief Austin Onyedebelu warmly welcomed Dr. Nwoga into the APC fold, commending her courage, vision, and willingness to serve. He assured her of the party’s openness and support, emphasizing that the APC remains a platform that encourages inclusiveness and recognizes competence.

The chairman further urged her not to be discouraged by her diaspora background, noting that such experience is often an added advantage. Drawing from his personal journey, he revealed that he too once lived in the diaspora, stressing that global exposure can be instrumental in delivering quality leadership and innovative ideas.

Following her engagement at the party headquarters, Dr. Nwoga proceeded directly to the Owerri Zone APC stakeholders’ meeting, where she was again received with enthusiasm by party leaders and members. In a strong demonstration of her commitment to the growth and sustainability of the party, she made a generous donation of thirty million naira (₦30,000,000) to support APC activities and strengthen its grassroots mobilization efforts across the zone.

The gesture was widely applauded by stakeholders, who described it as a bold and timely contribution that underscores her dedication to party unity, development, and effective political engagement.

The visit and subsequent engagements mark a defining moment in the political landscape of Imo State, as stakeholders and observers continue to watch closely the unfolding dynamics ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle.