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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its continuous support of the Nigerian Army, saying that such cooperation remains vital to operational effectiveness, troop welfare, and the maintenance of security.
This is just as the COAS has commiserated with the people and government of Bayelsa State over the death of the deputy governor, late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed in December 2025.
Gen Shaibu, who made this known when he visited the governor in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, described the loss as painful and significant, not only to Bayelsa State but to the nation at large, and urged continued prayers and support for the bereaved family.
The COAS, who said he was in Yenagoa as part of his maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which covers Bayelsa State, thanked Governor Diri for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments for troops of 16 Brigade.
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The Army chief, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, said the accommodation facilities have no doubt alleviated housing challenges faced by personnel, boosted morale and enhanced operational efficiency within the brigade.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, who observed notable infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago, assured the governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the state government in ensuring peace, security and stability.
Welcoming the COAS to the state, Governor Diri, who commended him for the visit, reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
He also commended personnel of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and the state government has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa State.
He used the occasion to formally hand over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the continued commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
