ARMY RENAMES CALABAR BARRACKS AFTER LATE COAS IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU

Read Time:3 Minute, 21 Second

By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

The Nigerian Army has renamed the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in honour of his contributions to the military and the nation.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the development on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu; and the late general’s widow, Fatima Attahiru.

Shaibu said the decision was intended to immortalise the late military officer, whose career was defined by courage, professionalism, discipline and dedication to national service.

He described Attahiru as an outstanding leader and patriot whose contributions to the Nigerian Army deserved lasting recognition, despite his relatively brief tenure as army chief.

According to Shaibu, Attahiru assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army at a critical period in the country’s security history and worked towards improving operational effectiveness, personnel welfare and professionalism.

“Although his promising tenure and life were tragically cut short, his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continue to resonate with the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.

The army chief explained that the renaming was not merely an effort to preserve the late officer’s memory but also a means of reminding serving and future military personnel of the importance of courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service.

He urged the Commander of the 13 Brigade and other personnel to reflect the values associated with Attahiru’s name in their conduct, leadership responsibilities and interactions with host communities.

Shaibu further advised military commanders to understand that while appointments and positions were temporary, the standards they established and examples they provided could leave lasting legacies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey described the renaming as a national responsibility to honour and remember a military officer who embodied the finest traditions of military service.

He said the event went beyond changing the name of a military installation, describing it as an important recognition of Attahiru’s service and sacrifice.

The deputy governor noted that although the late general’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was short, his contributions and impact on the military remained significant.

“The late General Attahiru was a leader who believed in leading from the front, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the welfare and operations of his men, and remained steadfast in the vision of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria,” Odey said.

He added that naming the barracks after the late officer would ensure that his exemplary life, distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice continued to inspire military personnel.

Odey charged officers and soldiers of the newly renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks to uphold the principles of professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and dedication to duty.

He urged them to draw inspiration from the late general’s legacy while carrying out their constitutional responsibility of protecting the country’s territorial integrity, combating terrorism and other criminal activities, and safeguarding lives and property.

The deputy governor also reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s commitment to supporting the military through improved welfare, training, equipment and operational readiness.

He commended the Nigerian Army for the initiative, describing it as a fitting tribute to Attahiru’s contributions to the military and Nigeria.

In her remarks, the late army chief’s widow, Fatima Attahiru, thanked the Nigerian Army for honouring her husband, describing the gesture as a lasting recognition of his service and sacrifice.

“Renaming this barracks after my husband is a profound honour to our family. It is comforting to know that his service, sacrifices and dedication to Nigeria have not been forgotten. I sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army and everyone who has made this recognition possible,” she said.

She expressed confidence that her husband’s dedication to the Nigerian Army and the country would continue to inspire generations of military personnel.

Attahiru, Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, died in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna State on May 21, 2021, alongside other military personnel.