The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commiserated with the Bayelsa State Government and people over the death of the Deputy Governor, late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the loss as painful and significant to the state and the nation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu conveyed his condolences on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa. The visit formed part of the COAS’ maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which includes Bayelsa State.
The Army Chief urged continued prayers and support for the bereaved family, while commending the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly the 16 Brigade. He noted that such cooperation remains critical to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and the maintenance of security.
He specifically praised Governor Diri for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments for troops of 16 Brigade, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.
According to the COAS, the accommodation facilities would significantly ease housing challenges faced by personnel, boost morale and enhance operational efficiency within the Brigade. He also observed notable infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago, assuring the Governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the state government to ensure peace, security and stability.
In his response, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The Governor commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration among the military, other security agencies and the state government has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the continued commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
The visit further underscored the strong civil-military relations between the Nigerian Army and the Bayelsa State Government, aimed at sustaining peace and enhancing operational effectiveness within the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
