By Augustine Ehikioya
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has offered royal blessings to the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun.
He also assured him of the support of the Benin Palace in strengthening ongoing military operations within the kingdom.
The monarch gave the assurance when the Brigade Commander paid him a courtesy visit at the Royal Palace in Benin City on 4 March, 2026.
During the visit, the Oba commended the Brigade Commander and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their efforts in safeguarding law-abiding citizens in Edo State.
He also prayed for the continued protection and safety of the troops as they carry out their duties professionally.
His Royal Majesty, in a statement by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), acknowledged the military’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the State. He further suggested that military operations conducted in the area could be given codenames in the Benin language.
Earlier in his remarks, Brigadier General Balogun said the visit was part of his engagements since assuming Command of 4 Brigade some months ago.
He explained that he had sought the opportunity to formally introduce himself to the monarch and seek the Oba’s royal blessings and prayers.
The Brigade Commander noted that the goodwill and collaboration of the Benin throne would further support the Brigade in carrying out its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the State.
He also reaffirmed the Brigade’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of insecurity and emphasised its readiness to respond decisively to any threat.
The high point of the visit was a special prayer and blessing session given by the Oba in support of the Brigade Commander as he continue to discharge his constitutional duties in the State.
