COAS assures troops of Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade of improved welfare

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade for their professionalism, discipline and operational effectiveness in maintaining security in Edo State.

Shaibu gave the commendation on Friday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of 4 Brigade in Benin City, where he also assured personnel of improved welfare and better working conditions.

Addressing the troops, the Army chief promised that arrangements would be made to renovate soldiers’ accommodation to provide decent and comfortable living conditions. He also pledged to provide a new bus to address transportation challenges facing the Brigade.

The COAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel and their families have access to functional medical facilities, including healthcare services for their children.

He stressed that the welfare of soldiers remains essential to operational effectiveness and a major priority under his ‘Soldiers First’ agenda.

However, Shaibu urged the troops to reciprocate the Army’s commitment to their welfare by maintaining discipline, professionalism, loyalty and dedication to their responsibilities.

He also charged them to conduct their operations within the provisions of the law, respect the rights of civilians, protect innocent citizens and deal firmly with criminal elements within their Area of Responsibility.

The Army chief praised the 4 Brigade troops for their conduct, noting that their discipline and operational achievements had contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in the Nigerian Army.

He equally commended the brigade commander for his leadership and effective collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, describing such cooperation as consistent with the strategic cooperation pillar of his command philosophy.

Earlier, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, welcomed the COAS and briefed him on the security situation within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

The briefing also covered administrative and logistical challenges affecting the formation.

Balogun expressed appreciation to the Army chief for the visit and assurances of improved welfare, while reaffirming the commitment of officers and soldiers to sustaining operational gains and strengthening existing security achievements in Edo State.

Highlights of the visit included the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, a tree-planting exercise and group photographs.