The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated his commitment to enhancing the welfare of officers and soldiers across the country, stressing that the Nigerian Army under his watch will continue to prioritise the well-being of troops and their families.

Oluyede gave the assurance at the end of his three-day operational tour of the 6 Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, during a visit to commission several newly completed projects, an interface with soldiers, and engagements with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, troops’ welfare remains central to military effectiveness and national security, hence the leadership of the Army will continue to explore every available resource to improve their living and working conditions.

“I have gone round the Division, interacted directly with my men, and seen some of the challenges they face. These are not things I can ignore. I am determined to address them with the resources available, in close collaboration with the Federal Government,” Oluyede said.

He explained that his working tour was also designed to gauge the Division’s operational readiness in light of current security dynamics in the Niger Delta, which has remained critical to the nation’s economic stability.

Oluyede noted that morale and efficiency of personnel cannot be separated from how well they and their families are catered for.

During the exercise, the COAS inaugurated a number of facilities including an extension of the 6 Division Headquarters complex, the Python Harmony House at the Division’s main entrance, a new Guard Room, and residential quarters for soldiers of the corporal and below cadre.

Other projects commissioned were the renovation of ten family blocks and the remodelling of the 29 Battalion Quarter Guard.

He described the projects as part of a long-term plan to gradually upgrade Army formations across the country, adding that similar initiatives are ongoing in other divisions.

Oluyede further urged the troops to remain focused on their constitutional duties of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, pledging that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed by the military leadership and the Federal Government.

The Army chief’s visit is the first major working tour of the Niger Delta region since assuming office earlier this year.

 It comes at a time the military is intensifying operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other security threats in the area.