The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness and personnel welfare.
Shaibu stated this on Monday at the operationalisation of refurbished operational vehicles and the renovated Soldiers’ Club named, “Nightingale Club” of the Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC), Giri, Abuja.
The COAS, represented by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said serviceable vehicles were critical to the timely movement of personnel, equipment and logistics.
He said the refurbishment of the vehicles would significantly enhance the Command’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to operational requirements.
According to him, mobility remains a critical component of military effectiveness, particularly in supporting troops during operations.
He urged personnel entrusted with the vehicles to treat them as valuable government assets by ensuring proper maintenance, responsible handling and strict adherence to extant regulations.
Shaibu also stressed the importance of personnel welfare, saying a military organisation was sustained not by equipment alone, but also by the morale and cohesion of its personnel.
He said the Soldiers’ Club would provide an avenue for relaxation, recreation, social interaction and strengthening of esprit de corps among personnel and their families.
The COAS urged the Command to sustain the culture of maintenance, accountability, discipline and prudent management of resources.
He commended the leadership and personnel of NAWC for the initiative, saying the projects demonstrated what could be achieved through effective leadership and collective commitment.
Earlier, the Commander, NAWC, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Adamu, said the refurbishment was in line with the COAS’s Command Philosophy of ensuring operational readiness.
Adamu said the Command had a responsibility to ensure that its personnel could be mobilised and deployed at short notice whenever required to support military operations.
He recalled that on April 14, 2026, the COAS directed the deployment of a company from the Command to Plateau State following security challenges in the state.
According to him, the Command was able to mobilise and deploy the troops promptly because it had the necessary operational mobility and other enablers.
He said the experience underscored the importance of maintaining operational vehicles in serviceable condition at all times.
Adamu said four refurbished coaster buses previously in deplorable condition were being operationalised to enhance the Command’s mobility and capacity to respond to operational assignments.
He also said the renovation of the Soldiers’ Club was part of the Command’s commitment to the Soldiers First Concept, which places the welfare of soldiers at the centre of command responsibilities.
The commander said the facility had previously been in a deplorable condition, with inadequate lighting and poor sanitary facilities.
He said its rehabilitation had provided soldiers with a more conducive environment for relaxation, social interaction and receiving guests.
“Anything we do under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff that does not put soldiers’ welfare first is not in keeping with the Soldiers First concept,” she said.
Adamu urged commanders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of soldiers, noting that motivated personnel were better positioned to deliver effectively on assigned responsibilities. (NAN)
