By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday took his command message straight to the heart of the Niger Delta, pledging that troop welfare will remain non-negotiable as the military intensifies operations to secure critical national assets.
Addressing officers and soldiers at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 6 Division at Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, Shaibu delivered a direct assurance: the wellbeing of troops and their families sits at the core of his leadership.
The visit, on January 9, 2026, forms part of the Army Chief’s early push to personally assess formations, gauge operational readiness, and confront long-standing challenges from the ground up.
Welfare first, mission always
Shaibu told the troops that since assuming command, he has deliberately embarked on field visits across units and formations to obtain firsthand intelligence on operational realities rather than relying solely on reports.
He said concrete steps are already underway to address identified gaps, stressing that welfare is not an afterthought but a force multiplier essential to mission success.
“You cannot separate morale from performance,” he said, urging troops to remain focused on their constitutional duty of protecting critical national infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
Security as economic strategy
Beyond military objectives, the COAS framed the Division’s role in economic terms, calling on troops to sustain professional operations that support increased oil production in the Niger Delta Region.
He charged personnel to operate with discipline, commitment, and professionalism, noting that security stability in the region directly affects national revenue and economic recovery.
The message aligned with his broader command philosophy: decisive action, disciplined conduct, and unwavering dedication to duty.
Earlier in the day, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, briefed the COAS on ongoing operations and security dynamics in the Niger Delta.
The briefing was followed by a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects within the barracks, highlighting efforts to improve living and working conditions for personnel.
Emekah reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to delivering on the COAS’ command philosophy and sustaining operational gains in the region.
The visit was punctuated by symbolic gestures, including a tree-planting exercise led by the COAS and his Principal Staff Officers signalling continuity, growth, and long-term commitment.
An interactive session with officers and soldiers rounded off the visit, giving troops a rare opportunity to engage directly with the Army Chief and receive personal reassurance on welfare and leadership priorities.
As Shaibu departed Port Harcourt Barracks, the signal to troops was unmistakable: the mission is demanding, the terrain is strategic, and the command is watching boots on ground, welfare in focus.
