By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the welfare of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army remains a top priority of his command, as he paid a maiden operational visit to Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State.
The assurance was given on Friday, 9 January 2026, when the COAS addressed troops at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground. In an official statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, it was disclosed that Lieutenant General Shaibu used the visit to reassure personnel of his resolve to improve their welfare while strengthening operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief explained that since assuming command, he has embarked on visits to formations and units across the country to gain firsthand insight into their operational readiness and the challenges confronting them. He noted that deliberate and targeted steps are being taken to address identified challenges, stressing that the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families remains central to his leadership priorities. He charged troops of 6 Division to remain steadfast in the protection of critical national infrastructure within their area of responsibility.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further called on the troops to carry out their duties professionally in order to support increased oil production in the Niger Delta Region through sustained and effective security operations. He urged them to remain disciplined, committed, and dedicated to the realisation of the Division’s mandate, in line with his command philosophy.
Earlier in the visit, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, briefed the COAS on the Division’s operational activities across the Niger Delta Region. The GOC also conducted the Army Chief around ongoing projects within the barracks and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to fully implementing the COAS’ command philosophy.
Highlights of the visit included a symbolic tree-planting exercise undertaken by the COAS alongside Principal Staff Officers who accompanied him, as well as an interactive session with officers and soldiers. During the engagement, the Army Chief further reassured the troops of his unwavering commitment to their welfare and to enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta.
