By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel, pledging better accommodation, transportation and access to functional medical facilities for soldiers and their families.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, November 6, 2026, during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army in Benin City, Edo State, where he also commended the troops for their discipline, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, the COAS disclosed that arrangements would be made to renovate soldiers’ accommodation to ensure decent and conducive living conditions.
He also pledged the provision of a new bus to address transportation challenges within the Brigade, while reiterating the Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel and their families, including their children, have access to functional medical facilities.
The Army Chief emphasised that the welfare of troops remains a critical component of operational effectiveness and a major priority under his Soldiers First Culture.
He urged officers and soldiers to reciprocate the commitment through discipline, professionalism, loyalty and unwavering dedication to their responsibilities.
Shaibu also charged the troops to conduct their operations strictly within the provisions of the law, respect the rights of civilians, protect innocent persons and deal decisively with criminal elements within their Area of Responsibility.
Commending the troops for their operational performance, the COAS noted that their discipline and professionalism had contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in the Nigerian Army.
He equally praised the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, for his leadership and effective collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, describing the cooperation as consistent with the Strategic Cooperation Pillar of his Command Philosophy.
Earlier, Balogun welcomed the COAS and briefed him on the security situation within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, alongside administrative and logistical challenges affecting the formation.
The Brigade Commander expressed appreciation to the Army Chief for the visit and assurances of improved welfare, pledging that officers and soldiers would remain committed to sustaining operational gains and consolidating existing security achievements.
Highlights of the visit included the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, tree planting and group photographs.
