4 BRIGADE EMERGES OVERALL CHAMPION OF 2 DIVISION INTER-BRIGADE CORPORALS AND BELOW COMPETITION 2026 IN BENIN

4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Thursday, 23 April 2026, emerged overall champion of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026, which was held from 20 to 23 April 2026. The competition was hosted by 4 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, in Benin City.

In his welcome address, the Commander 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, disclosed that the competition is designed to improve combat proficiency, leadership skills, organizational ability, teamwork, endurance, and to promote esprit de corps among soldiers of junior ranks. He added that it also challenges their initiative and prepares them for higher responsibilities.

He noted that the competition is not just about winning or losing, but about fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and continuous improvement. “It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and building stronger bonds within our ranks. The lessons learned and the experiences shared here will undoubtedly enhance our operational effectiveness and strengthen our team spirit,” he said. He further appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for the confidence reposed in the Brigade to host this year’s Corporals and Below Competition, as well as for his commitment to improving training and the welfare of personnel.

In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, expressed satisfaction that the objectives of the competition had been largely achieved. He stated that he had no doubt that the various events contested by the formations had significantly improved their physical and mental capacity, enhanced leadership traits, and strengthened organizational ability, while also preparing them for operational engagements in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation.

He further charged participants to take back to their respective formations the experience and knowledge gained during the competition and translate them into remarkable achievements in the field for the benefit of their formations and the Nigerian Army at large.

He also expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his unwavering commitment to the development of junior non-commissioned officers, whom he described as the backbone of the Army. He added that 2 Division remains grateful for the COAS’s strategic guidance and support. He also commended the planning team for ensuring that the competition was fair, challenging, and reflective of real-world operational standards.

The 2026 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition featured events such as drill competition, combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country race, and obstacle crossing. Participating formations included 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 42 Engineers Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison. At the end of the competition, 4 Brigade, emerged overall champion, while 12 Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison, came second and third respectively.

The ceremony was graced by heads of security agencies in Edo State, as well as friends of the Brigade. Highlights of the closing ceremony included obstacle crossing competition among formations, presentation of awards, souvenirs, and group photographs.

*KENNEDY ANYANWU*

Captain

Assistant Director Army Public Relations

4 Brigade Nigerian Army

Benin City

24 April 2026

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Thursday, played host to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, promising to galvanise his expansive political structure to ensure Hamzat’s victory at the forthcoming governorship election.

Dr Hamzat is the presumptive APC candidate for the Lagos governorship seat, and the engagement was part of his ongoing strategic consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and leaders.

Speaker Obasa extolled Hamzat’s pedigree, commitment to infrastructure development, and loyalty to the party, adding that for the continued development of Lagos State, every discerning electorate must rally round him.

“I just returned from Abuja, and the conversation remains the same – Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State. You have demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to our great party and even greater competence in serving Lagos. We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” Speaker Obasa declared.

Responding, Dr Hamzat expressed gratitude for the warm reception while highlighting Obasa’s legislative experience and political network, which he said are invaluable. He reiterated his focus on collaborative governance, saying, “Lagos is a collective project. My consultations are not about personal ambition but about ensuring continuity, innovation, and inclusive development for our people,” Hamzat said.

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”

Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.

“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.

However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.