The Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ayokunle Olufemi Owolabi, has expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Nigerian Army Medal), for his visionary leadership and commitment to sound administration across the Nigerian Army formations.
A statement signed by Major Akinola Ajibola, Assistant director army public relations, HQ 9 Brigade Nigerian army said the Brigade Commander made this known while receiving the Army Headquarters Regimental Sergeant Major (AHQ RSM), Army Warrant Officer SY Ibrahim, and a delegation of Regimental Sergeant Majors during their official visit to Headquarters 9 Brigade.
Brigadier General Owolabi described the regimental visit as a clear demonstration of the COAS’s resolve to strengthen discipline, regimentation, and administrative efficiency within formations and units.
He noted that the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on sound administration has significantly enhanced professionalism, accountability, and operational readiness throughout the Army.
“The focus of the Chief of Army Staff on effective administration and regimentation is both timely and commendable.
It reinforces our collective responsibility to uphold the highest standards of discipline, leadership, and service to the nation,” the Brigade Commander stated.
During the engagement with soldiers of the Brigade, the RSMs addressed critical areas central to operational effectiveness and professional conduct.
These included proper handling and accountability of logistics; professional conduct during roadblocks and checkpoint operations; and strict adherence to efficient document security procedures.
The session also emphasized the development of warrior ethos, fighting spirit, and resilience among troops.
The vital leadership role of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) in mentoring subordinates and sustaining regimental standards was strongly highlighted.
Soldiers were cautioned against compromising with locals during internal security operations and reminded of the need to strictly adhere to Rules of Engagement.
The apolitical nature of the Nigerian Army was reaffirmed, with troops strongly discouraged from any involvement in partisan politics during the political season.Welfare and administrative matters were thoroughly discussed, including pay and allowances, leave and pass procedures, Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) protocols, and proper sick report procedures, particularly for personnel returning from operations.
The importance of protecting vulnerable members of military communities, especially widows in the barracks, was stressed.
The Army’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual exploitation and abuse during internal security operations was equally reinforced.
Other issues addressed included regimentation, core values, burial protocols, responsible use of social media, and the dangers associated with betting and gambling, cultism, secret societies, drug abuse, and drunkenness.
Brigadier General Owolabi reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to implementing the directives and vision of the Chief of Army Staff.
He assured that 9 Brigade will continue to uphold discipline, professionalism, and operational excellence in line with the strategic objectives of the Nigerian Army.
The visit concluded with renewed resolve among soldiers of the Brigade to sustain the highest standards of conduct and readiness in service to the nation.
