The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged troops of 243 Recce Battalion and 15 Field Engineering Regiment to continue to maintain a high level of discipline, professionalism and remain law-abiding in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
The GOC gave the charge on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 while addressing a cross-section of officers and soldiers at the 243 Recce Battalion parade ground, Badagry, Lagos, during his operational/ familiarisation visit to units in Badagry.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations,81 division Nigerian Army said Major General Babalola stated that his visit was part of his operational and administrative tour aimed at familiarising himself with the units and it’s officers and soldiers.
He noted that from the briefing received from the Commanding Officers, he was highly impressed with the level of professionalism displayed by the battalions, and enjoined them to sustain the tempo.
He further stated that several transformations were currently ongoing in the Nigerian Army, urging the troops to remain patient and committed, while assuring them that conditions of service would continue to improve.In line with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldier First Culture”, the GOC assured personnel that the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers and their families would remain a top priority.
He also urged them to remain law-abiding and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army at all times.
Major General Babalola further emphasised that as the Nigerian Army continues to conduct operations across various theatres in the country, troops must demonstrate firmness and professionalism against terrorists and criminal elements during operations, while strictly avoiding harassment or molestation of law-abiding civilians.
While at the 243 Recce battalion, the GOC commissioned a newly constructed bus stop located at the main gate, an initiative of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ikoro.
He also performed a tree-planting exercise, inspected some armoured vehicles and visited the Battalion Medical Centre, where he interacted with personnel receiving treatments.
Earlier, the GOC visited 15 Field Engineer Regiment (FER), Topo Barracks, Badagry, where he was received and subsequently briefed by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AE Amangele on the activities and operational engagements of the Regiment.
While at the Regiment, the GOC toured key facilities within the barracks, including the medical facility and the newly constructed Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Crèche, Nursery and Primary School.
As part of his engagements in Badagry, Major General Babalola paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, who recently passed on at the age of 89.
He described the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler, a bridge builder and a great promoter of culture, tourism and peace.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the people of Badagry Kingdom on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the continuous support and hospitality extended by the Badagry community to the military units stationed in the area.
The GOC was accompanied by some formation commanders and staff officers of the Division.
