By Hyacinth Nwafor
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Adebayo Babalola, has charged officers and soldiers deployed in Badagry to remain disciplined, professional and law-abiding in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking during an operational and familiarisation visit to the 243 Recce Battalion parade ground in Badagry, Lagos, the GOC addressed a cross-section of troops drawn from 243 Recce Battalion and 15 Field Engineering Regiment, urging them to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army at all times.
He explained that the visit formed part of his ongoing operational and administrative tour of units under his command, aimed at assessing readiness, boosting morale and strengthening regimental cohesion. From the briefings presented by the Commanding Officers, he said he was impressed by the level of professionalism displayed and encouraged the troops to sustain the momentum.
Babalola noted that the Nigerian Army was undergoing far-reaching transformations designed to enhance operational effectiveness and personnel welfare. He urged patience and renewed commitment, assuring troops that improvements in conditions of service were underway.
Reinforcing the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldier First Culture,” he emphasised that the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers and their families would remain paramount under his watch. He reminded the troops that discipline remains the bedrock of military excellence.
The GOC stressed that as troops continue operations across various theatres nationwide, firmness against terrorists and criminal elements must be matched with strict adherence to rules of engagement. He warned against harassment or molestation of law-abiding civilians, underscoring the Army’s responsibility to protect the populace.
At the 243 Recce Battalion, the GOC commissioned a newly constructed bus stop at the unit’s main gate, an initiative of the Commanding Officer. He also performed a symbolic tree-planting exercise, inspected armoured vehicles and visited the Battalion Medical Centre, where he interacted with personnel receiving treatment.
Earlier, at the 15 Field Engineer Regiment, Topo Barracks, he received operational briefings and toured critical facilities, including the medical centre and the newly constructed Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Crèche, Nursery and Primary School.
In a solemn highlight of the visit, the GOC paid a condolence call at the palace of the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, who died recently at the age of 89. He described the monarch as a bridge-builder and custodian of culture who championed peace and tourism in the kingdom.
On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, Babalola extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the people of Badagry, while appreciating the community’s continued support and hospitality to military formations stationed in the area. He was accompanied on the visit by formation commanders and senior staff officers of the Division.