COAS Commissions Renovated Soldiers’ Accommodation in Jos, Reaffirms Welfare as Foundation of Combat Readiness
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the welfare of troops remains central to the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, declaring that quality accommodation and improved living conditions are indispensable to building a highly motivated and combat-ready force capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Army Chief made the declaration on Tuesday during the commissioning of five fully renovated blocks of soldiers’ accommodation at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, describing the project as a strategic investment in personnel welfare and a critical component of the Army’s broader transformation agenda.
The commissioning forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to modernise barracks infrastructure, improve the quality of life of personnel and their families, and strengthen the operational readiness of troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
Addressing officers, soldiers and their families, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that the provision of decent accommodation goes beyond infrastructure development, noting that it directly impacts morale, discipline, mental well-being and the overall effectiveness of troops in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
He said a soldier who is confident that his family is living in a safe, secure and comfortable environment is better positioned to concentrate fully on operational tasks, whether engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-banditry or other internal security operations across the country.
The COAS explained that improving the welfare of personnel remains a cornerstone of his “Soldier First Culture”, a command philosophy designed to place the needs, welfare and professional development of soldiers at the heart of the Nigerian Army’s transformation efforts.
According to him, investing in the welfare of troops is not merely an administrative responsibility but a strategic necessity that enhances operational efficiency, strengthens fighting spirit and reinforces the Army’s ability to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
During an interaction with families residing in the cantonment, the Army Chief paid glowing tribute to the wives of soldiers, describing them as silent pillars behind the operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army.
He commended their patience, resilience and unwavering support despite the demanding nature of military service, noting that the sacrifices made by military families contribute immensely to sustaining the morale of personnel serving on the frontlines.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu acknowledged that while soldiers often receive public recognition for their service, their spouses and families equally deserve appreciation for the emotional strength, encouragement and stability they provide, especially during prolonged deployments and operational engagements.
He assured personnel that the Nigerian Army under his leadership would continue to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing barracks, construction of new accommodation, and improvement of essential facilities aimed at enhancing the overall welfare of soldiers and their dependants.
The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to creating an environment where personnel can live with dignity while remaining fully prepared to respond to emerging security threats across the country.
The renovation of the accommodation blocks at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment reflects the Nigerian Army’s growing emphasis on balancing operational excellence with personnel welfare, recognising that a motivated soldier is a more effective soldier.
The initiative is expected to further boost the morale of troops and reinforce the Nigerian Army’s resolve to build a professional, disciplined and highly responsive force capable of effectively confronting the nation’s diverse security challenges while safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
