The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Paul Koughna, has reinforced the central role of rigorous training in shaping combat-ready soldiers, declaring that preparation, not the battlefield, defines the bulk of military service.

He made this known at the grand finale of the 2026 8 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition, which climaxed after five days of physically demanding drills and tactical contests.

Addressing the troops, Koughna commended participants for their resilience, discipline, and professionalism, describing the competition as both “gruelling and rewarding.”

“The day is far gone, the sun is up and hot, but it has been a day well spent. You have all done exceedingly well and I am proud of you,” he told the soldiers.

Emphasising the value of continuous drills, the GOC noted that real combat engagements occupy only a fraction of a soldier’s career.

“Actual engagement with the enemy takes only a small part of your years in service. The greater part is spent in training like this to prepare you. When you are eventually face-to-face with the adversary, you will come out on top,” he said.

He charged personnel to remain steadfast in upcoming exercises, courses, and unit-level drills, stressing that consistency in training is key to operational success.

While congratulating standout performers across formations, Koughna urged those who fell short to redouble their efforts ahead of future competitions.

“For those who didn’t perform as expected, it simply means you should go back and train harder for the next outing,” he advised.

In a lighter moment that drew laughter from the ranks, he announced that the formation that placed last — 48 Division Engineers — would host the next competition for warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers.

“Let’s see how you will host and carry the wooden spoon,” he quipped.

Koughna also unveiled plans to reward exceptional participants, revealing that special incentives would be presented to top performers across various events.

“I have a special package for those who came top in the various events. This appreciation will be presented shortly,” he disclosed.

He further applauded the synergy between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ongoing counter-insurgency operations, expressing optimism that future editions of the competition would witness broader inter-agency participation, even on a non-competitive basis.

The GOC concluded by commending the organisers and host formation for delivering what he described as a seamless and hitch-free event.