By Nkechi Eze
The Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade and Land Component Commander Operation UDOKA, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mu’azu Abbas, has charged newly promoted soldiers of the Brigade to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army, declaring their elevation a direct reflection of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s mandate to enhance welfare and strengthen operational readiness. He delivered the message on Monday, 24 November 2025, during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted personnel held at the 34 Artillery Brigade Parade Ground in Owerri.
In an official signed statement, Assistant Director Army Public Relations 34 Artillery Brigade, Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, disclosed that Brigadier General Abbas congratulated the 315 beneficiaries drawn from units across the Brigade, reminding them that the Nigerian Army under the COAS remains committed to rewarding hard work, discipline and professionalism. He urged them to see their elevation as both an honour and a call to higher service. “Your promotion today is part of the COAS’ mandate to strengthen our operational readiness, i expect you to justify this confidence,” he told the troops.
Brigadier General Abbas noted that the large number of personnel elevated reflects a strategic effort to boost the operational capability of 34 Artillery Brigade, particularly within the context of ongoing missions under Operation UDOKA. He advised the newly decorated soldiers to deepen their commitment to duty, remain loyal to constituted authority and uphold the highest standards of conduct, emphasising that every new rank comes with greater responsibilities and heightened expectations.
The Commander further charged the troops to intensify their contributions to the 82 Division’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the South-East. He stressed that their elevation should inspire renewed discipline and operational efficiency as the Brigade continues to support security operations aimed at stabilising the region.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages and words of guidance from senior officers, including the Chief of Staff, Colonel S. M. Ahmed; the Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel J. Abuo; the Commanding Officer 342 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel B. B. Laah; and the Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Malam Garba. The highlight of the event was the decoration of the newly promoted soldiers by senior officers and family members, followed by a group photograph that marked the conclusion of the ceremony.
