By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned refurbished operational vehicles and the Nightingale Club at the 1 Women Battalion, Giri, Abuja.
The commissioning is aimed at strengthening troops’ mobility, operational responsiveness and welfare in support of ongoing national security efforts.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 22nd, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Shaibu said the availability of serviceable mobility assets was critical to enabling troops to move personnel, equipment and logistics promptly in response to operational requirements.
He noted that military effectiveness is closely linked to the availability and serviceability of operational platforms, adding that the refurbishment would enhance the formation’s ability to respond efficiently to assigned tasks.
Represented by Colonel Anele, the Army Chief directed commanders and personnel entrusted with the vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, responsible handling and strict adherence to regulations.
He emphasised that the assets are national resources that must be protected, accounted for and deployed strictly for authorised military purposes.
On the Nightingale Club, the COAS described it as an important investment in the human element of military effectiveness.
According to him, a capable and resilient force requires not only operational equipment but also an environment that supports the morale, cohesion and wellbeing of its personnel.
He said the facility would provide opportunities for recreation, healthy social interaction and relaxation for personnel and their families, while strengthening camaraderie and esprit de corps within the formation.
General Shaibu commended the leadership and personnel of 1 Women Battalion, as well as officers, soldiers, civilian staff, contractors and other stakeholders whose collective efforts led to the successful completion of the projects.
He said the achievements demonstrate the value of effective leadership, prudent resource management and collective responsibility, particularly as the Nigerian Army continues to optimise available resources to meet evolving national security demands.
He charged commanders and personnel to sustain a culture of maintenance, accountability and prudent management of military resources, stressing that the true value of the commissioned assets would be measured by their impact on operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
Earlier, the Commander, Nigerian Army Women Command, Brigadier General Muhammed Sani Adamu, described the Nightingale Club as a strategic investment in the human element of military effectiveness.
Brigadier General Adamu said a professional, resilient and combat-ready force requires not only the right equipment and capabilities but also an enabling environment that promotes morale, welfare, cohesion and wellbeing of personnel.
He commended the COAS for his strategic guidance and sustained provision of resources to enhance personnel welfare in line with his Soldier First philosophy.
