GOC 1 DIVISION VISITS KANO, COMMISSIONS NEW ACCOMMODATIONS FACILITIES TO BOOST TROOPS MORALE

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Wase, has concluded a three-day operational tour of formations and units under his command, with a focus on operational readiness, personnel welfare, infrastructure development and the strategic expansion of the Nigerian Army’s presence in Kano State.

The tour, which took place from September 15 to 17, 2026, provided the GOC with an opportunity to assess ongoing military operations, interact with troops and commanders, and evaluate key security developments within the 3 Brigade’s area of responsibility.

Major General Wase commenced the tour at the Headquarters of 3 Brigade in Kano, where he was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, alongside other senior officers. The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen command oversight and ensure that formations and units under the Division remain operationally effective.

A major highlight of the tour was the commissioning of two newly completed accommodation blocks at Bukavu Barracks, Kano. The project consists of two blocks containing 12 two-bedroom flats each and is intended to provide modern family accommodation for personnel of the rank of Corporal and below.

The accommodation project was executed by Army Headquarters under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Programme and reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the “Soldier First Concept,” which places significant emphasis on the welfare and living conditions of military personnel and their families.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Major General Wase expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and continued attention to the welfare of troops.

The GOC emphasised that decent accommodation is an important component of personnel welfare, noting that a suitable living environment can contribute to the well-being, morale and effectiveness of soldiers and their families. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving accommodation and other welfare facilities across its formations and units.

Beyond personnel welfare, the tour also focused on strengthening the Army’s operational footprint in the North-West. Major General Wase travelled to Dambatta, where he inspected a proposed location for the establishment of a new military unit.

During the visit, the GOC was received by the Chairman of Dambatta Local Government Area, Honourable Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta, who briefed him on the security situation in the area. The engagement highlighted the importance of cooperation between the military, local authorities and communities in identifying and responding to security challenges.

The proposed establishment of a military presence in the area is part of broader efforts to improve the Army’s reach and response capabilities. Collaboration with local administrations and community stakeholders is also expected to support the military’s understanding of local security concerns and facilitate more effective responses to emerging threats.

In the final phase of the tour, Major General Wase proceeded to Tudun Wada, where he inspected another proposed site for a prospective Nigerian Army unit. The assessment considered the suitability of the location, anticipated infrastructure requirements and tactical considerations relevant to the establishment of the facility.

The inspection of the two proposed sites demonstrates the Division’s efforts to assess locations that could support expanded military operations and improve the Army’s ability to respond rapidly to security incidents across its area of responsibility.

The three-day tour therefore combined two major priorities: improving the welfare and living conditions of personnel and strengthening the operational capacity and geographical reach of the Nigerian Army.

The activities also underscore the importance of sustained cooperation between the military, government authorities and local communities in addressing security challenges in the North-West. Through infrastructure development, improved personnel welfare and strategic deployment, 1 Division continues to strengthen its operational posture and support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Reported by: Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, September 18, 2026.