Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: NIGERIAN ARMY REAFFIRMS COAS SOLDIER FIRST CONCEPT AS TROOPS’ ACCOMMODATION PROJECTS RECEIVE BOOST IN MAIMALARI CANTONMENT
NIGERIAN ARMY REAFFIRMS COAS SOLDIER FIRST CONCEPT AS TROOPS’ ACCOMMODATION PROJECTS RECEIVE BOOST IN MAIMALARI CANTONMENT
NIGERIAN ARMY REAFFIRMS COAS SOLDIER FIRST CONCEPT AS TROOPS’ ACCOMMODATION PROJECTS RECEIVE BOOST IN MAIMALARI CANTONMENT
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare with the commissioning of three blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ) at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. The commissioning reflects the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, to improving troops’ living conditions, strengthening morale and enhancing operational effectiveness. The commissioning forms part of activities to commemorate the COAS one year in office. The COAS was represented at the ceremony by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Delivering the COAS’ remarks, Major General Ajose stated that decent accommodation and a conducive living environment were essential to sustaining troops’ morale, discipline and effectiveness. He emphasised that operational excellence on the battlefield must be supported by adequate welfare provisions and a strong administrative foundation at home. He described investments in accommodation as investments in human capital and a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of personnel’s sacrifices and contributions to national security.
The COAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in force development and personnel welfare. He also acknowledged the contributions of relevant departments and directorates, contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders whose efforts supported the execution of the projects, noting that sustained institutional support remains vital to the Army’s transformation and operational effectiveness.
The COAS charged beneficiary personnel and their commanders to maintain a strong culture of discipline, accountability and proper maintenance to preserve the facilities for long-term use. The commissioning reinforces the Nigerian Army’s Soldiers First Concept, which places the welfare, wellbeing and professional development of personnel at the centre of its institutional priorities and recognises their importance to sustained morale, operational readiness and effective service to the nation.
Beyond the quarters commissioned, several other projects are ongoing at Maimalari Cantonment to improve living and working conditions. These include additional Corporals and Below Quarters, the drilling of two boreholes, construction of a 50-bed ward for 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, a new Headquarters 7 Division complex, Senior Officers’ Quarters and the renovation of existing family accommodation. These interventions reflect broader efforts to strengthen military infrastructure and provide personnel and their families with improved housing, healthcare and essential facilities.
In his welcome address, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, described the commissioning as another significant milestone in the Army’s welfare initiatives. He noted that Corporals and Below constitute a vital component of the Army’s fighting strength and perform indispensable roles at the tactical level. He stressed that providing them with decent accommodation demonstrates the Army’s recognition of their service and sacrifices while reinforcing the connection between personnel welfare, high morale and combat readiness. Similarly, the Acting GOC urged occupants to uphold high standards of cleanliness, take ownership of the quarters and ensure their responsible use
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