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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Nigerian Army has renamed the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his contributions to the military and the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the renaming on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Cross River State Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu; and the widow of the late army chief, Mrs Fatima Attahiru.
Shaibu said the decision was aimed at immortalising the late military officer, whose career was defined by courage, professionalism, discipline and commitment to national service.
He described Attahiru as an exemplary leader and patriot whose contributions to the Nigerian Army deserved enduring recognition, despite his brief tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
According to him, the late general assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army at a challenging period in the country’s security history and pursued operational effectiveness, personnel welfare and professionalism with determination.
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In an address delivered on his behalf by Odey, Governor Otu described the renaming as more than a mere change of name, saying it represented a solemn national obligation to remember and honour a distinguished military officer.
He charged officers and soldiers of the newly renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and selfless service exemplified by the late general.
The widow of the late army chief, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for honouring her husband, describing the gesture as a lasting recognition of his service and sacrifice to the nation.
“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.
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.
The Army said the renamed barracks would serve as an enduring symbol of service, sacrifice, courage and national unity.
