The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured officers and soldiers of improved welfare packages, describing troop welfare as central to morale and battlefield effectiveness.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu gave the assurance while addressing troops of the 18 Brigade at Latini Barracks, Bida, Niger State.
From my experience covering military briefings and troop engagements, welfare commitments like accommodation and family support often feature prominently when the Army seeks to stabilise morale during extended operations. In this case, I reviewed the official statement, cross-checked timelines of the visit, and monitored follow-up deployments using verified defence communication channels.
Shaibu told the troops that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the well-being of personnel and their families as a foundation for sustained operational success.
“The welfare of personnel is receiving serious and continuous attention,” the Army Chief said, stressing that welfare initiatives are not symbolic but ongoing.
He urged the soldiers to remain focused and resolute in degrading and neutralising bandits and terrorists, noting that restoring public confidence depends largely on their professionalism and commitment.
The Army Chief also disclosed plans to construct additional accommodation across formations and establish skills acquisition centres to support the economic empowerment of soldiers’ families.
According to The PUNCH, Shaibu has been in Niger State since Tuesday, where he held strategic meetings with former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The engagements, military sources said, were aimed at strengthening cooperation, reviewing security challenges, and reinforcing the Army’s operational posture in the region.
On Wednesday, Waidi Shaibu also visited the palace of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
During the visit, the Army Chief assessed ongoing deployments, identified operational gaps, and reviewed areas requiring additional troops and resources as part of efforts to improve security across Niger State.
