By Augustine Ehikioya
For their resilience and unwavering commitment to national security, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has commended the officers and soldiers of 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment, Ogoja, Cross River State.
He urged them to make more sacrifices for the nation.
The COAS gave the commendation on Tuesday 9 September, 2025, during an operational visit to Godwin Ally Barracks, Ogoja.
The visit, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), formed part of his assessment tour of Nigerian Army formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Operational Responsibility.
During the visit, the COAS inspected key facilities, interacted with the troops, and expressed appreciation for their sacrifices in defending the nation despite challenging operational demands.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who is passionate about the education of soldiers’ children and wards, disclosed that he is investing significant resources to revamp schools in the barracks in order to provide their children with first-class education.
The COAS also directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodations to improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families.
Speaking further, the COAS emphasized that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army remains committed to improving the living and working conditions of its personnel while equipping them to effectively tackle evolving security challenges.
He noted that the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance has enabled Commanders to provide better feeding for soldiers and therefore expects them to reciprocate by giving their best in the discharge of their duties.
The COAS also informed the soldiers of ongoing efforts to provide all Nigerian Army personnel with new sets of uniforms and essential military kits to enable them to perform their duties seamlessly.
These measures, he explained, are part of deliberate efforts to standardize operational readiness, enhance morale, reinforce esprit de corps, and entrench his *“Soldiers First”* mantra.
Gen Oluyede charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, while fostering synergy with sister security agencies and host communities, stressing that such collaboration is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
