The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reviewed the operational readiness of Nigerian Army formations in the South-East, reaffirming troop welfare, combat preparedness and inter-agency cooperation as key to consolidating security across the region.
The assessment was disclosed in a statement issued by the acting director of Army public relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, following the Army Chief’s visit to the Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Thursday.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu assessed the troops’ combat readiness, operational effectiveness and welfare, describing professional preparedness as essential to building a resilient force capable of responding to evolving security threats within a joint, multi-agency operational environment.
He commended officers and soldiers for their discipline, resilience and dedication to duty, urging them to remain vigilant, uphold their constitutional responsibilities and maintain the highest standards of professionalism while respecting human rights during operations.
The COAS also inspected key operational and welfare facilities, including the Military Hospital and troops’ accommodation, reaffirming that investment in personnel welfare, healthcare and military infrastructure remains central to enhancing operational effectiveness under the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First philosophy.
Earlier, he received operational and administrative briefings on activities within the formation. While expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded, he called for stronger collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and host communities to further consolidate peace, strengthen regional stability and enhance security across Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.
