By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has strengthened its Soldiers First Concept with the commissioning of three blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ) at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, in a renewed effort to improve troops’ welfare, boost morale and enhance operational effectiveness.
According to an official statement signed by Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the facilities were commissioned on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in office. Shaibu was represented at the ceremony by the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
Speaking on behalf of the COAS, Ajose said decent accommodation and a conducive living environment were essential to sustaining troops’ morale, discipline and effectiveness, stressing that operational success on the battlefield must be supported by adequate welfare provisions at home.
He described investments in accommodation as investments in human capital and a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of the sacrifices and contributions of its personnel to national security.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in force development and personnel welfare. He also acknowledged the contributions of relevant departments and directorates, contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders to the execution of the projects.
The Army Chief charged beneficiary personnel and their commanders to maintain discipline, accountability and proper maintenance of the facilities to ensure their long-term use.
The commissioning reflects the Army’s commitment to the Soldiers First Concept, which places the welfare, wellbeing and professional development of personnel at the centre of its institutional priorities, recognising their importance to operational readiness and effective service to the nation.
Beyond the commissioned quarters, several infrastructure projects are ongoing at Maimalari Cantonment to improve the living and working conditions of troops and their families. The projects include additional Corporals and Below Quarters, the drilling of two boreholes, construction of a 50-bed ward for the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, a new Headquarters 7 Division complex, Senior Officers’ Quarters and the renovation of existing family accommodation.
In his welcome address, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, described the commissioning as another milestone in the Army’s welfare initiatives.
Diwa noted that Corporals and Below constitute a vital component of the Army’s fighting strength and perform indispensable duties at the tactical level. He said providing them with decent accommodation demonstrated the Army’s recognition of their service and sacrifices while reinforcing the connection between personnel welfare, high morale and combat readiness.
He urged the occupants to maintain high standards of cleanliness, take ownership of the facilities and ensure their responsible use.
In his project description, the Commander, 47 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Abubakar Saleh, disclosed that the renovation contract was awarded to Messrs Ammah Contractors Limited by the Office of the Chief of Army Staff through the Directorate of Procurement.
Saleh explained that following a site assessment, six blocks of six-family Corporals and Below Quarters, comprising 36 two-bedroom flats, were selected for renovation as alternatives to the originally designated structures.
He said the buildings had previously been in a severely dilapidated condition, with leaking roofs, structural cracks and damaged floors. The renovation involved extensive structural rehabilitation, repairs to damaged floor slabs and masonry, replacement of roofing sheets, doors and windows, as well as complete electrical and plumbing installations.
According to him, the 47 Engineer Brigade supervised the project under the guidance of Headquarters 7 Division to ensure compliance with approved specifications and quality standards.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Warrant Officer Ogunmodede Sunday expressed appreciation to the COAS for prioritising personnel welfare through the Soldiers First Concept. He pledged that the beneficiaries would maintain the facilities responsibly and reciprocate the gesture through discipline, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He also commended the Theatre Commander, project supervisors, contractors and other stakeholders for their contributions, while praying for the protection of troops, the wellbeing of their families and lasting peace and security in Nigeria.
