Army renames Calabar barracks after late COAS Attahiru
The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, headquarters of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, Cross River State, after former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ibrahim Attahiru.
The renaming ceremony was performed on Tuesday by the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, during his operational visit to Cross River State.
According to a statement by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Shaibu said the facility had been renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks in recognition of the late general’s service and sacrifice to the country.
Attahiru died on May 21, 2021, in a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near the Kaduna International Airport.
Shaibu performed the ceremony on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, describing the gesture as recognition of Attahiru’s exceptional service, exemplary leadership and ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
He said the renaming was a deliberate act of remembrance and an enduring affirmation of the institutional values of the Nigerian Army.
The army chief noted that Attahiru demonstrated courage, professional competence, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, particularly during a challenging period in the country’s security history.
Although his tenure as COAS was brief, Shaibu said his commitment to operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, professionalism and troop morale remained an inspiration within the military.
He added that immortalising the late general, who once commanded the barracks, would establish a lasting connection between the Army’s heritage and the responsibilities of serving and future generations of military personnel.
Shaibu charged officers and soldiers of the 13 Brigade to uphold exemplary leadership, discipline, integrity and operational excellence while strengthening their relationships with the communities they protect.
He urged the personnel to draw inspiration from Attahiru’s legacy by maintaining high standards of military conduct and building a well-trained, equipped and motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
Fatima Attahiru, wife of the late general, thanked the Army leadership for the honour, describing it as a lasting source of pride and comfort to the family.
Also speaking, Ayobami Fadiero, General Officer Commanding the Army’s 82 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, commended Shaibu for prioritising troop welfare and immortalising the late officer.
Fadiero said the gesture would strengthen institutional pride and boost the morale of personnel serving in the division.
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, described Attahiru’s life as an enduring example of exemplary leadership, humility and patriotism worthy of emulation, particularly by military personnel.
The ceremony was attended by Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, senior military officers, government officials, members of Attahiru’s family and residents of the barracks community.
