Army, NSCDC Dominate Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship

The Nigeria Army and Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have dominated the second edition of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.

The Championship, which is the brainchild of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, saw both agencies scouping both the team and individual prizes.

For the individual male category, Gyan Emmanuel of the NSCDC came first in 1 hour, 7 minutes; and was followed closely by his compatriot, Goyet Gideon with additional 44 seconds, while Raymond Nandel of the Nigerian Amy took 3rd prize at 1 hour, 11 minutes and 33 seconds.

For the female category, the 1st position went to Badum Debourah of NSCDC at 1 hour 22 minutes, 2 seconds; and second position went to Dinatu Yohanna of the Nigerian Police while Naomi Yohanna of the Nigerian Army came 3rdt in a time of 1 hour, 39 minutes and three seconds.

For the teams categories, the Nigerian Army emerged overall winners followed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps while the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) came third in both the male and female categories.

However, in the ceremonial tug of war event, the Nigerian Army topped the Federal Fire Service for the prize.

The 21 kilometer Half Marathon race, which commenced from the Dutse junction on the Kubwa expressway and ended at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment, Abuja, was flagged off by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha by 7.30am.

Speaking at the sporting event with the theme: “Racing to Bond”, Olonisakin sated that the improved understanding, synergy and cooperation between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, which this competition amongst other initiatives promotes a more cohesive national security institutions for the overall objective of effective and efficient security for all Nigerians.

To this end, he said the DHQ will strive to ensure that the Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship becomes the rallying point for the services and agencies where officers and men converge every year not only to cheer their athletes but for further interactions leading to better understanding.

“It is expected that the bond of friendship and understanding that will be developed through this annual championship will lead to improved synergy among all the security agencies for more efficient and effective security service delivery to our dear country,” he said.

Also speaking , Mustapha who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the Half Marathon Race will foster synergy, collaboration and better relationships which are needed among the armed forces and other security agencies to enable the nation tackle the myriads of security challenges confronting the country.

According to him, the novel marathon competition will ginger physical fitness and mental alertness which is necessary to combat the security challenges facing the country.

“What I have seen displayed this morning in the championship is friendship. If our armed forces and security agencies synergize and collaborate this way security challenges would be defeated on time as them come,” the SGF said.