COAS Bolsters Troops’ Readiness, Welfare with Refurbished Vehicles, Nightingale Club
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned refurbished operational vehicles and the newly completed Nightingale Club at 1 Women Battalion, Giri, Abuja, as part of efforts to enhance troops’ operational readiness, mobility and welfare.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, 21 September 2026, the COAS, who was represented by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the availability of serviceable mobility assets remained critical to the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to operational requirements.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that military effectiveness was closely tied to the availability and serviceability of operational platforms, stressing that the refurbished vehicles would significantly improve the formation’s capacity to move personnel, equipment and logistics in support of assigned tasks.
He consequently charged commanders and personnel entrusted with the vehicles to ensure their proper maintenance and responsible utilisation, while adhering strictly to established regulations.
The COAS stressed that the vehicles were national assets and must therefore be adequately protected, properly accounted for and deployed strictly for authorised military purposes.
Beyond operational platforms, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the commissioning of the Nightingale Club underscored the Army’s commitment to strengthening the human element of military effectiveness.
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According to him, a capable and resilient fighting force requires not only modern and serviceable equipment but also an environment that promotes the morale, cohesion and wellbeing of its personnel.
He explained that the facility would provide opportunities for recreation, healthy social interaction and relaxation for personnel and their families, while fostering camaraderie and esprit de corps within the formation.
The Army Chief commended the leadership and personnel of 1 Women Battalion, alongside officers, soldiers, civilian staff, contractors and other stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful completion of the projects.
He said the achievements demonstrated the importance of effective leadership, prudent resource management and collective responsibility, particularly as the Nigerian Army continues to optimise available resources in response to evolving national security demands.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further charged commanders and personnel to sustain a culture of maintenance, accountability and prudent management of military resources.
He stressed that the ultimate value of the commissioned assets would be determined by their contribution to operational effectiveness and the welfare of personnel.
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.
He said a professional, resilient and combat-ready force required not only appropriate equipment and operational capabilities but also an enabling environment that promoted the morale, welfare, cohesion and overall wellbeing of personnel.
Brigadier General Adamu commended the COAS for his strategic guidance and sustained provision of resources aimed at improving personnel welfare in line with his Soldier First philosophy.
He stressed that prioritising the human element of the Army remained critical to building a motivated force capable of sustaining operational effectiveness and effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
