Army renovates 81 Battalion headquarters, commander’s residence in Oyo

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, commissioning the 81 Battalion headquarters. Photo: Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has renovated and commissioned the headquarters of the 81 Battalion and the official residence of its Commanding Officer at Letmauck Cantonment, Mokola Barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as part of efforts to improve troops’ welfare and enhance operational efficiency. Speaking during the commissioning on Wednesday, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the projects reflected the Army’s commitment to providing a conducive working and living environment for personnel. Nnebeife said the initiative was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, particularly the “Soldiers First” policy aimed at prioritising the welfare of troops and their families. He noted that quality infrastructure remained essential to boosting morale, productivity and combat readiness among military personnel. The GOC said, “The projects commissioned today are not merely structural upgrades. They are strategic investments in the operational effectiveness, combat readiness and long-term efficiency of the battalion. “While the renovated battalion headquarters would improve command and administrative operations, the upgraded official residence would provide better comfort and welfare for the Commanding Officer and his family. Nnebeife, therefore, commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining welfare-focused interventions across Army formations and urged personnel to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities. He also lauded the outgoing Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Agaku, for initiating and successfully completing the projects. Describing Agaku as a dedicated and professional officer, Nnebeife urged other commanders to emulate his commitment to improving the welfare of personnel under their command. Earlier, Agaku said the renovation became necessary following an assessment of facilities within the barracks shortly after he assumed command on February 7, 2025. He said, “The review revealed the need to rehabilitate key infrastructure to provide a better environment for officers, soldiers and their families.” Related News Soldiers rescue five kidnapped victims in Kogi, terrorists flee Oyo joins masquerade group’s prayer for release of kidnap victims Suspected ‘One Chance’ syndicate nabbed in Oyo Agaku said the project was driven by the Army’s welfare philosophy,