By Sumaila Ogbaje

No fewer than 288 soldiers from various formations in Nigeria on Thursday competed for the service’s Inter Formations Cross Country Competition hosted by the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja.

The competition, which is a 10-kilometer run through rough terrains including mountains and valleys has formations drawn from 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81 and 82 Divisions.

Other participating troops were drawn from the Army Headquarters Garrison and 4 Special Forces Command.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the competition is aimed at enhancing the operational readiness, physical fitness and camaraderie among troops.

The competition is also aimed at developing the leadership qualities of junior commanders towards attaining combat efficiency and professionalism.

The competition was flagged off by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Course and Examination), Maj.-Gen. Ayoola Aboaba.

The run, which kicked off from the Armed Forces Officers Mess roundabout in Lungi Barracks took the soldiers through the rough terrains and terminated at the Guards Brigade sports complex in Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment.

At the end of the competition, the winning formation would emerge using the laid down criteria which include the time that a team used to complete the run and the kits carried by each participant among other requirements. (NAN)