Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has stated that physical fitness is a key area that enhances Army’s capacity to combat myriads of security challenges across the country.

He stated this at the opening ceremony of this year’s inter-formation combat sports and swimming championship in Kaduna.

Represented by Major General Olufemi Oluyede, the Army Chief explained that “the army was stepping up all aspects of combat readiness in line with best practices to effectively tackle contemporary adversaries.”

He pointed out that physical endurance and operational readiness of troops would be accorded due priority across board.

Earlier in his welcome address, General Officer Commanding One Division Kaduna, Major General Bamidele Alabi explained that the objective of the competition was to improve troops’ leadership traits, use of initiatives, promote esprit de corps as well as prepare them for battle in view of current security challenges in the country.

He charged all participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously and abide by the laid down rules.

Over five hundred athletes drawn from eight divisions of the army are expected to participate in boxing, wrestling and combat swimming in the five day event.