By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
In a decisive push to tighten operational efficiency and deepen inter-corps cooperation in the Northwest theatre, the Commander Corps of Nigerian Army Engineers (CCE), Major General Shamsudeen Shafaru, has moved to strengthen frontline synergy with 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, as counter-insurgency and stabilisation operations intensify under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The CCE made this known during an operational and familiarization visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force Northwest, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, at the Division’s Conference Room, where senior officers of the formation were also in attendance.
The high-level engagement focused on reviewing engineering operations across the Division’s Area of Responsibility, with emphasis on how combat engineering, infrastructure support and technical innovation can further enhance mission success in one of the country’s most challenging security environments.
Major General Shafaru said the visit was designed to assess engineering deployments on the ground, evaluate the welfare and readiness of engineer personnel, and identify gaps requiring immediate intervention to sustain operational momentum.
According to him, engineer units remain critical force multipliers, responsible not only for battlefield mobility and survivability but also for maintaining and upgrading infrastructure essential to sustained operations in both peace and conflict settings.
Addressing the gathering, the Corps Commander stressed that the Nigerian Army Engineers play a pivotal role in combat engineering support, including route clearance, fortification, bridge construction and facility maintenance, all of which directly influence operational outcomes.
He commended 8 Division for the strategic deployment of engineering assets in support of ongoing operations, noting that efficient use of such resources has continued to improve troop movement, protection and operational reach.
Major General Shafaru reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to addressing operational challenges, boosting capacity through targeted training, and providing timely technical interventions and essential equipment to engineer units deployed within the Division.
In his response, Major General Koughna described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that close collaboration with the Corps of Engineers remains indispensable to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The GOC highlighted pressing infrastructural demands and operational requirements within the Division’s area, stressing that engineer units have consistently played a decisive role in supporting combat operations and sustaining troops in difficult terrain.
He assured the Corps Commander that 8 Division remains committed to the optimal utilization and proper maintenance of engineering assets, adding that continued cooperation will further enhance operational effectiveness across the sector.
The visit concluded on a formal note with the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, symbolising renewed resolve to strengthen inter-corps collaboration in the ongoing fight to restore peace and stability in the Northwest.
As operations continue under FANSAN YAMMA, the engagement underscores a clear message from the Army’s leadership: engineering capability is no longer auxiliary, it is central to winning today’s battles.
