As part of ongoing efforts to enhance security operations and boost troop morale, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday 8th April 2025 paid a working visit to the 3 Division Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Plateau State.
During the visit, the Army Chief met with troops, commissioned several newly completed projects within the barracks, and assessed existing infrastructure in need of renovation.
He was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. Among the projects commissioned were new blocks of residential quarters and the newly constructed headquarters of the 23 Support Engineer Regiment.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede also approved the renovation of ten additional blocks of residential quarters and pledged continued infrastructural upgrades, including the novation of one of the schools within the cantonment and provision of school transportation for soldiers’ children.
Addressing the troops, the COAS expressed appreciation for their dedication, acknowledging the crucial role of the military in combating insecurity across Nigeria.
“Our constitutional responsibility is to defend Nigeria and support civil authorities. Nigerians are depending on us to address the challenges of terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats,” he said. “Security is everyone’s business, and we need full cooperation from the citizens to make the country safer.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede assured the troops of his commitment to their welfare, noting that steps had already been taken to improve feeding allowances through the doubling of the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA). He also highlighted the Army Welfare Housing Scheme (AWA), which has already delivered 400 housing units in Abuja, with ongoing projects in other cities including Benin and Ibadan.
“There is no reason why soldiers who have served for 35 years should leave without a roof over their heads,” he stated. “We are working with other sources to fund the scheme and make it accessible to more personnel.”
The COAS further urged troops to take advantage of available low-interest loan schemes only when necessary and encouraged a renewed focus on education, promising improvements in military schools to ensure children of personnel receive quality education and can aspire to professional careers.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede concluded his address with a renewed charge to troops to remain committed and professional, stressing that development cannot take place without peace.
“As your Chief of Army Staff, I will give you my best. In return, I ask that you give your best to Nigeria. This is a covenant between us — for a safer, stronger nation,” he said.
