By Hyacinth Nwafor
As part of efforts to familiarize himself with Nigerian Army Institutions, establishments, formations, and units within his Area of Responsibility (AOR), the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 9 Brigade, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “On arrival, the GOC was received by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General AO Owolabi, alongside officers of the Brigade, as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA). After the regimental inspection of the Quarter Guard, the GOC was subsequently briefed on the activities of the Brigade at the Brigade’s Conference Room, where the Brigade Commander highlighted the achievements so far recorded as well as challenges being encountered, while soliciting the GOC’s kind intervention. He also expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit and wished him a successful tour of duty.
In his remarks, the GOC, Major General Babalola, commended the Commander, officers, and soldiers of 9 Brigade for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to sustain their efforts towards ensuring the safety and security of the Brigade’s AOR and Lagos State at large. He later addressed troops of the Brigade at the parade ground and had interaction with members of NAOWA and NASWA at the Calf Officers’ Mess, where he appreciated their support in keeping the home front stable and encouraged them to continue praying for their spouses as they confront security challenges across the nation.
Highlights of the visit included a tour of the barracks, presentation of souvenirs, and signing of the visitors’ book.
Similarly, the GOC 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, visited 149 Battalion, 353 Artillery Regiment, the Nigerian Army School of Medical Sciences (NASMS), and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM). On arrival at each unit, the GOC inspected the Quarter Guard followed by detailed briefings on the activities of the units. The briefings were delivered by the Commanding Officer 149 Battalion, Major A. Suleiman; the Commanding Officer 353 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel A Bello and the Commandant NASMS, Brigadier General OO Igbineweka.
While at NACOLM, the GOC expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and solicited the support of the College as he began his tour of duty as GOC 81 Division, noting that sustained support from the College and other units/formations within the AOR would greatly enhance operational success and the effective implementation of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
In his response, the Commandant NACOLM, Major General AC Adetoba, appreciated the GOC for the visit and requested that the existing synergy between the College and 81 Division be sustained, noting that there is much to be achieved through continued collaboration and mutual support.
Highlights of the visits include the GOC’s address to combined troops of 149 Battalion and 353 Artillery Regiment, signing of visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.