Security threats: Army chief urges troops to remain vigilant

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has charged Nigerian Army personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined and committed to their duties amid evolving security challenges across the country.

He gave the charge on Thursday during the inauguration of several projects at Adekunle Fajuyi and Letmauck Cantonments in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The projects included two 10-man transit accommodation units for corporals and below, five blocks of 36 family Corporals’ and Below Quarters (CBQ), and two regimental sergeants major’s houses for the 2 Military Intelligence Brigade and 502 Signal Brigade at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment.

Others were the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess, sports facilities and semi-detached three-bedroom married officers’ quarters at Letmauck Cantonment, Mokola.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, Shaibu charged personnel to uphold the core tenets, values and traditions of the Nigerian Army.

These, he said, included “discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service and professionalism”.

“You must consistently demonstrate the highest standards of conduct, accountability and respect for constituted authority, both within and outside the barracks. These values must remain the foundation of your service and guide your actions at all times.

“The Nigerian Army appreciates the dedication and sacrifices of 81 Battalion in support of ongoing operations aimed at maintaining peace and security within 2 Division’s Area of Responsibility.

“I urge you all (personnel) to sustain your commitment to duty, remain vigilant and continue to discharge your assigned responsibilities with courage, discipline and professionalism towards achieving lasting peace and security across the Division’s AOR.

“As we continue to confront evolving security challenges across the country, the Nigerian Army remains committed to developing a professional, combat-ready and resilient force. I expect 81 Battalion to sustain its operational effectiveness, strengthen cooperation with other security agencies and remain responsive to emerging security threats within the Division’s AOR,” he added.

Speaking on the projects, Shaibu said the commissioned quarters were equipped with supporting facilities to enhance their functionality, ensure proper maintenance and promote operational readiness.

He said, “While celebrating this occasion, I must emphasise that all officers and soldiers are expected to uphold the core tenets, values and traditions of the Nigerian Army at all times.”

The Army chief described the projects as more than physical structures, saying they represented deliberate investments in human capital, which he identified as the Nigerian Army’s most valuable operational asset.

He urged the beneficiaries to embrace a proper maintenance culture, stressing that the longevity of the structures depended on how well they were managed.

“The projects being commissioned today underscore my commitment to building a professional, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army, where the welfare, motivation and operational effectiveness of our personnel remain central to mission accomplishment.

“Providing a conducive living environment for our officers, soldiers and their families is an important aspect of this commitment, as it enhances morale, strengthens unit cohesion and enables our personnel to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.

“I, therefore, urge all the beneficiaries to take ownership of these facilities, maintain them diligently and ensure that they remain in good condition for the benefit of present and future occupants. Responsible maintenance is essential to preserving these investments and ensuring their continued usefulness.”

Shaibu stressed that personnel must be held accountable for the care and upkeep of the newly commissioned facilities, warning that failure to maintain them would defeat their purpose.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising personnel welfare and recognising the sacrifices of troops in the service of national security.

Earlier, the Commander of 42 Engineer Brigade, Uchechukwu Okoroji, said the condition of the structures before their renovation and remodelling had been a major welfare concern.

He identified troops’ welfare and sound administration as central to operational effectiveness, adding that the projects would boost personnel morale and commitment to duty.

Similarly, the Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion, Lt Col Chiemezie Asogwa, thanked the Army chief for approving and facilitating the projects.

He said the interventions reflected Shaibu’s commitment to improving the living and working conditions of personnel and their families in line with his soldiers-first concept.