The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the welfare of officers and soldiers remained a top priority of his command during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army, at Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State.
Addressing troops at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground on Friday, 9 January 2026, the COAS said his ongoing visits to formations and units across the country are aimed at assessing operational readiness, identifying challenges, and taking deliberate steps to address them. He assured personnel that the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families is being accorded high priority under his leadership.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged troops of 6 Division to remain professional and resolute in the discharge of their duties, particularly in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and sustaining security operations to boost oil production in the Niger Delta Region. He further urged them to maintain discipline, commitment, and dedication in line with his command philosophy.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, briefed the COAS on the Division’s operational activities in the Niger Delta and conducted him around ongoing projects within the barracks. The GOC reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to achieving the COAS’ command philosophy.
Highlights of the visit included a symbolic tree-planting exercise by the COAS and accompanying Principal Staff Officers, as well as an interactive session with officers and soldiers, during which he again reassured them of his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s renewed focus on personnel welfare and sustained security operations in the Niger Delta.
