Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined and committed to their responsibilities amid evolving security threats across the country.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the inauguration of newly completed and renovated projects at Adekunle Fajuyi and Letmauck Cantonments in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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Represented by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, the Army chief urged personnel to uphold the institution’s core values, including discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service and professionalism.
He also called on soldiers to demonstrate accountability, respect constituted authority and maintain high standards of conduct both within and outside military barracks.
“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,” he said.
Shaibu urged troops to sustain their commitment to duty and cooperate with other security agencies to respond effectively to emerging threats within the division’s area of responsibility.
He said the Army remained committed to building a professional, combat-ready and resilient force capable of addressing the country’s changing security challenges.
The inauguration covered several accommodation and welfare projects across the two cantonments.
At Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, the projects included two 10-man transit accommodation units for corporals and below, five blocks of 36 family Corporals’ and Below Quarters, and two houses for regimental sergeants major serving with the 2 Military Intelligence Brigade and 502 Signal Brigade.
At Letmauck Cantonment in Mokola, the facilities included the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess, sports facilities and semi-detached three-bedroom married officers’ quarters.
The Army chief said the newly commissioned accommodation had supporting facilities intended to improve functionality, maintenance and operational readiness.
He described the projects as investments in the welfare and motivation of military personnel, rather than simply additions to the Army’s physical infrastructure.
According to Shaibu, providing suitable living conditions for soldiers and their families can improve morale, strengthen unit cohesion and allow personnel to concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities.
He urged beneficiaries to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities, warning that poor maintenance could undermine the value of the investments.
Shaibu said accountability for the upkeep of the structures was essential to ensuring that they remained useful to present and future occupants.
Earlier, 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 personnel welfare and sound administration as important factors in operational effectiveness, expressing confidence that the projects would improve morale and commitment among troops.
Similarly, Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion, Lt Col Chiemezie Asogwa, thanked the Army chief for approving and facilitating the interventions.
Asogwa said the projects reflected Shaibu’s commitment to improving the living and working conditions of soldiers and their families under his soldiers-first approach.
The inauguration combines the Army’s focus on operational readiness with efforts to improve conditions within military formations.
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Shaibu’s message was that improved infrastructure must be matched by discipline, professionalism and responsible management if the facilities are to support the force’s wider security responsibilities.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
