Zamfara:Army chief unveils 1Brigade office complex, commits to decent work-place for officers

Zamfara:Army chief unveils 1Brigade office complex, commits to decent work-place for officers

By Sadiq Sadiq

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing decent working environment for officers to perform their operational duties.

Shaibu ​‌‌​‌‍​‍⁠⁠‍‌‍​‌‍​‌⁠‌​spoke while unveiling the newly constructed Headquarters 1Brigade Complex, and Operation Fansan Yamma Logistics BaseV Stores, Gusau, Zamfara on Thursday.

The Army Chief, represented by the Theater Commander, Joint Task Force, North West Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Maj.-Gen. WB Idris said that the projects marked another significant milestone in his commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian Army.

“When I assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army, I set out a clear command philosophy, to foster a professional, well-equipped, and welfare-oriented Army.

” I recognized that no army can achieve operational excellence on the battlefield if its administrative and logistics foundations are weak.

“Today’s event is a tangible manifestation of that goal,”he said.

Shaibu noted that the relationship between a befitting working environment, logistics sustenance and operational capability is direct and undeniable.

According to him, personnel who operate from modern, fully equipped office facilities, and troops that are well sustained with timely provision of essential supplies, will inevitably perform their duties with greater focus, pride, resilience and efficiency.

The COAS said that the significance of the projects could be overstated, particularly in view of the prevailing security challenges within the Joint Operations Area of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

“Our troops continue to conduct coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at restoring peace, security and stability across the Theatre, often in a challenging environment characterised by difficult terrain, dispersed communities and extended lines of communication.

“These operations demand effective leadership, timely decision-making and a responsive logistics system.

“The new Headquarters 1 Brigade Complex meets modern administrative design geared towards streamlining command and control functions, enhancing administration and integrating digital technology for effective force management.

“It will provide a more suitable and conducive environment for command activities, staff coordination and administrative functions,” he said.

He noted that the new Logistics Base V Store meets modern logistics design geared towards streamlining storage, enhancing inventory control and integrating digital technology for modern force sustainment.

Shaibu said establishment of Logistics Base V in Gusau is therefore, significant to the continued support of military operations within the Joint Operations Area and the wider North-West region.

“Essentially, these projects are more than concrete, steel and mortar; rather, they are important components of an effective command structure and investments in human capital and operational efficiency, which remain our most valuable and critical assets as an Army.

“To the beneficiary formations and personnel who will occupy and manage these newly commissioned facilities, these projects have been built to high-quality standards using public resources.

“This development is consistent with my Command Philosophy, particularly the Soldier First Culture, which recognises that appropriate working conditions, personnel welfare, logistics sustenance and operational readiness are essential to mission accomplishment.

“I want to urge you to adhere to proper maintenance culture as the longevity of these structures depends on the discipline with which they are managed,” he said.

He urged commanders to hold users accountable for the care, security and upkeep of all newly commissioned projects, else the purpose of the facilities would be defeated.

“All resources must be managed prudently and in accordance with established regulations.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army will place a higher demand on the quality of your output with the new facilities provided for your service to the nation.

“Accordingly, you are to use these improved working conditions and logistics capability to sharpen your administrative and operational readiness and commitment to ongoing operations,” he said.

Shaibu expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

“This support spans through the expansion of the Nigerian Army and the welfare and logistics initiatives provided to improve personnel wellbeing and operational effectiveness.

“I would like to emphasize that without executive support and budgetary prioritization by the Government, projects of this scale would remain only on paper.

“I also wish to extend my appreciation to the supervising Departments and Directorates, as well as contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders whose partnership brought these projects to completion on schedule.

“Once again, I want this commissioning to serve as a reminder and a renewed pledge to our officers, soldiers and families that your service and sacrifices are highly valued.

“Let it also be known that your welfare and operational sustainment are priorities.

“May these facilities serve as beacons of efficiency, comfort and military excellence for generations of personnel to come, and contribute to more effective command, administration and coordination in support of our objective to neutralise terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and security within the Joint Operations Area,” Shaibu said.

Earlier, the acting Commander 1Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Col. Joseph Umaru, represented by Chief of Staff 1Brigade, Col Anderson Enemakwu said that the project was envisioned under the exemplary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu for the benefit of the Brigade and the Nigerian Army at large.

He appreciated Army Chief for the purposeful and progressive leadership and for the Infrastructural development that he continues to provide for the Nigerian Army.

“It is worthy of note that the Headquarters 1 Brigade Complex is the first of its kind in Zamfara state which is equipped with the state of the art facilities.

“The commissioning of the complex marks an important milestone in the fight against terrorism.

“The facility would also help boost a fledging public civil military relationship between the military and the general public,” the acting Commander said.END