The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Major General ST Shafaru, has called on personnel and stakeholders of the Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE) to embrace the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and public-mindedness across all areas of their operations.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Maidawa Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers said the CCE made this known during the Commander Corps of Engineers Combined First and Second Quarters Virtual Conference 2026, held at the Zoom Chat Room, Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers (HQ NAE), Bonny Cantonment, Lagos, on 28 July 2026.
The event, which brought together engineer brigade commanders, senior sapper officers serving at tri-service institutions, commanding officers, as well as staff officers of HQ NAE via Zoom, provided a collaborative platform for robust engagement throughout the proceedings.
The conference featured detailed briefings from various HQ NAE directorates and cells, covering topics far beyond general project works. Presentations and discussions spanned army works and real estate, engineer search and disposal duties, administration, training, operations, and logistics. Special attention was given to the review of ongoing and completed projects, sharing progress updates, and candid engagement with operational challenges faced in the theater of operations.
Participants at the one-day virtual conference examined lessons learned from past experiences, highlighting a variety of challenges encountered in their operations. Issues discussed ranged from real estate matters such as trespass and ownership disputes on Army lands, to engineer search and disposal activities involving improvised explosive devices and route clearance operations. Other topics included incomplete, unoccupied, or defective projects resulting from inadequate supervision and documentation, as well as additional administrative and operational concerns.
Addressing these concerns, Major General Shafaru charged commanders to ensure constant supervision across every stage of the project lifecycle, underscoring that safety must remain a central priority in every engineering task. He reminded all present that equipment for engineering roles is not easily acquired and should therefore be used and maintained with the utmost care.
The CCE also emphasized that NAE responsibilities span a broad spectrum—from building and maintaining infrastructure, to providing critical support in emergency and conflict situations, managing military real estate, ensuring effective search and disposal operations, and enhancing overall operational readiness. He called for increased collaboration, continued innovation, and a focus on documentation and accountability to reinforce best practices across all domains.
Furthermore, the Chief Sapper advocated robust capacity building, enjoined commanders at all levels to invest in regular training and the professional development of their troops to meet evolving challenges. He noted that excellence in the engineers’ diverse roles not only contributes to successful Army operations but also plays an essential part in national development and the well-being of the broader society. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, for his continued support and strategic guidance to the NAE.
In closing, the conference reaffirmed the NAE’s ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality results, adapting to new demands, and upholding public trust through every aspect of their tasks.
Highlights of the virtual conference included an interactive session and the adoption of the summary of major decisions taken during the CCE’s Fourth Quarter Conference 2025, held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Makurdi.
