By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned refurbished operational vehicles and the Nightingale Club at 1 Women Battalion, Giri, Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening troops’ mobility, operational responsiveness and welfare.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, September 21, 2026, the COAS said the availability of serviceable mobility assets was critical to enabling troops to move personnel, equipment and logistics promptly in response to operational requirements.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu stated that military effectiveness is closely linked to the availability and serviceability of operational platforms, stressing that the refurbishment of the vehicles would enhance the formation’s ability to respond efficiently to assigned tasks.
Represented by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS directed commanders and personnel entrusted with the vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, responsible handling and strict adherence to regulations, emphasising that the assets are national resources that must be protected, accounted for and employed strictly for authorised military purposes.
The COAS further described the Nightingale Club as an important investment in the human element of military effectiveness, noting that a capable and resilient force requires not only operational equipment but also an environment that supports the morale, cohesion and wellbeing of its personnel.
He said the facility would provide opportunities for recreation, healthy social interaction and relaxation for personnel and their families while strengthening camaraderie and esprit de corps within the formation.
He commended the leadership and personnel of 1 Women Battalion as well as the officers, soldiers, civilian staff, contractors and other stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful completion of the projects.
The Army Chief noted that the achievements demonstrate the value of effective leadership, prudent resource management and collective responsibility, particularly as the Nigerian Army continues to optimise available resources to meet evolving national security demands.
Building on these achievements, Lt. Gen. Shaibu charged commanders and personnel to sustain a culture of maintenance, accountability and prudent management of military resources.
He stressed that the true value of the commissioned assets would ultimately be measured by their impact on operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
Earlier, the Commander Nigerian Army Women Command, Brigadier General Muhammed Sani Adamu, described the Nightingale Club as a strategic investment in the human element of military effectiveness.
Brig. Gen. Adamu noted that a professional, resilient and combat-ready force requires not only the right equipment and capabilities but also an enabling environment that promotes morale, welfare, cohesion and wellbeing of its personnel.
He commended the COAS for his strategic guidance and sustained provision of resources to enhance the welfare of personnel in line with his Soldier First philosophy.
Gen Shaibu emphasised that prioritising the human element remains critical to building a motivated force capable of sustaining operational effectiveness and effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
