The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has charged troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Imeko, Ogun State, to remain vigilant, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya Acting Deputy’ director army public relations 81 Division Nigerian Army said the GOC gave the charge during an operational visit to the FOB, where he interacted with troops and assessed their welfare and operational readiness.
He stated that the visit was part of his efforts to familiarize himself with troops deployed across the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) and to gain firsthand insight into their operational challenges and welfare needs.
Major General Babalola commended the troops for their discipline, commitment and dedication to duty, noting that reports from the Officer Commanding the FOB, Major SY Tula, as well as feedback from stakeholders within the Imeko community, attest to the professionalism and exemplary conduct of the troops. He urged them to sustain the high standards they have demonstrated in the course of their duties.
The GOC further reminded the troops of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Five Pillars of Professional Excellence, Sound Administration, Operational Effectiveness, Strategic Collaboration and Exemplary Leadership, urging them to align their actions with these guiding principles.
He cautioned the troops against acts of harassment, extortion and all forms of misconduct, stressing that indiscipline and actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army would not be tolerated.
As part of the visit, Major General Babalola paid a courtesy call on the Onimeko of Imeko, His Royal Majesty Oba Benjamin Alabi Oyeditan-Olanite. During the visit, he solicited the continued support, cooperation and goodwill of the traditional institution and the people of Imeko towards the successful conduct of military operations in the area. He also sought feedback on the conduct of troops to ensure they continue to meet the expectations of the host community.
Earlier, the GOC visited Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, where he was received by the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General FO Onu, who recently assumed command. During the visit, the GOC inspected key facilities within the Brigade, including the 35 Artillery Brigade War Memorial and other operational and administrative infrastructure.
The GOC was accompanied on the visit by the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, the Commander 45 Engineer Brigade, some commanders and staff officers of Headquarters 81 Division.
Highlights of the visit included interactions with troops at various deployment locations, inspection of facilities, presentation of souvenirs, signing of the Visitors’ Book and group photographs.
