….COAS Reaffirms ‘Soldier First’ Policy as Army Unveils Renovated Accommodation, Advances Hospital, Headquarters Projects
By: ABC News Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to improving troops’ welfare with the commissioning of renovated accommodation for junior personnel at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The project, comprising three blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ), is part of efforts by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to improve soldiers’ living conditions, boost morale and strengthen operational effectiveness.
The quarters were commissioned on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, who represented the COAS during the ceremony marking his first year in office.
Speaking on behalf of the Army Chief, Ajose stressed that providing decent accommodation for soldiers was essential to maintaining discipline, morale and combat readiness.
He noted that the Army’s operational achievements on the battlefield must be matched with adequate welfare provisions and a conducive living environment for personnel and their families.
According to him, investments in military accommodation are investments in human capital and a demonstration of the institution’s appreciation of the sacrifices soldiers make in defence of the country.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Army, particularly in force development and personnel welfare.
The COAS acknowledged the contributions of the Army’s relevant departments and directorates, contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders involved in the execution of the projects.
He charged beneficiary personnel and their commanders to maintain discipline, accountability and proper maintenance of the facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The commissioning underscores the Army’s Soldier First Concept, which places personnel welfare, professional development and wellbeing at the centre of its institutional priorities.
More Projects Underway at Maimalari Cantonment
Beyond the newly commissioned accommodation, several infrastructure projects are ongoing at Maimalari Cantonment to improve living and working conditions for military personnel.
The projects include additional Corporals and Below Quarters, two boreholes, 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 personnel welfare initiatives.
Diwa said Corporals and Below constitute a critical component of the Army’s fighting strength, performing essential duties at the tactical level.
He explained that providing decent accommodation for the category of personnel demonstrated recognition of their contributions and sacrifices while reinforcing the relationship between welfare, morale and combat readiness.
The Acting GOC urged the beneficiaries to maintain high standards of cleanliness, take ownership of the quarters and ensure the facilities were used responsibly.
Army Details Scope of Renovation
Providing details of the project, the Commander of 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 its 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 suitable 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.
According to him, the rehabilitation involved extensive structural works, including the installation of columns and beams, repairs to damaged floor slabs and masonry, replacement of roofing sheets, doors and windows, as well as complete electrical and plumbing installations.
He added that 47 Engineer Brigade supervised the project under the guidance of Headquarters 7 Division to ensure compliance with approved specifications and quality standards.
Beneficiaries Pledge Proper Maintenance
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Warrant Officer Ogunmodede Sunday expressed appreciation to Shaibu for prioritising personnel welfare through the Soldier First Concept.
He also commended the Theatre Commander for his leadership and for representing the COAS at the commissioning ceremony.
Ogunmodede said the renovated quarters and other ongoing infrastructure projects reflected the Army’s efforts to improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families.
He pledged that the beneficiaries would maintain the facilities responsibly and reciprocate the gesture through discipline, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He further appreciated the project supervisors, contractors and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the work.
The ceremony ended with prayers for the continued protection of troops, the wellbeing of military families and lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
Source: Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri. October 29, 2026.
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