ECHO TRAINING COMPANY EMERGES FIRST AS DEPOT NIGERIAN ARMY ZARIA CONDUCTS 10KM RACE COMPETITION

ECHO TRAINING COMPANY EMERGES FIRST AS DEPOT NIGERIAN ARMY ZARIA CONDUCTS 10KM RACE COMPETITION

In what was a commendable and remarkable display of sportsmanship, endurance, and team spirit, Echo Training Company of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, emerged overall winner at the Inter-Company 10KM Race Competition held on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at the institution. The competition, organised as part of activities for recruits of the 91 Regular Recruit Intake, was designed not only to encourage healthy rivalry among the trainees but also to build resilience, cohesion, and physical fitness.

The race commenced from the physical training ground and covered a challenging 10-kilometre route stretching into communities in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area, where the institution is located, before terminating at the Regimental Sergeant Major Hama Kim Parade Ground. Recruits from Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, and Juliet Training Companies competed fiercely, displaying exceptional tenacity, discipline, and willpower throughout the event. The atmosphere at the parade ground, which served as the finishing point, remained vibrant and electrifying as officers, instructors, and spectators cheered the participants enthusiastically.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Colonel ED Ehicheoya, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, commended the recruits for exhibiting remarkable levels of endurance, both individually and collectively. While congratulating Echo Training Company for emerging victorious, he urged the winning team not to relent on their oars. He also encouraged the other companies to train harder and strive for improved performance in subsequent competitions. He further charged all the recruits to remain steadfast, disciplined, and committed to their assigned roles as they prepare for future national defence responsibilities.

Colonel Ehicheoya also expressed appreciation to the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Brigadier General U Ahmad, for successfully hosting the competition. He equally thanked the Chief Judge, officials, instructors, and support teams whose professionalism and dedication ensured a seamless outing, noting that their combined efforts further reinforced the institution’s reputation as the home of regimentation.

Present at the event were the principal staff officers and heads of departments, as well as representatives of paramilitary and sister security agencies.

Highlights of the event included the recognition of outstanding performances by recruits in both the male and female categories. The top three finishers in each category were presented with medals and certificates in recognition of their exceptional achievements. Trophies were also presented to the winning companies, followed by group photographs to commemorate the successful outing.

The Inter-Company 10KM Race Competition not only showcased athletic excellence but also reaffirmed the institution’s enduring commitment to producing young soldiers whose strength, professionalism, discipline, and unity continue to inspire confidence in the future of the Nigerian Army.

Chikadibia Viola Anele
Captain
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria
12 September 2026