“Critics Fume as 13 Brigade Celebrates Amid Unanswered Questions Over Fallen Senior Officers!”
By Paul Ebi
The 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, on Thursday held a dignified and colourful sent-forth ceremony in honour of its outgoing Commander, Brigadier General MO Ibrahim, celebrating his exceptional leadership, service, and contributions to the Brigade.
The event drew an impressive gathering of retired senior military officers, heads of security agencies, government officials, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Honourary members of the 13 Brigade Officers’ Mess, the barracks community, and various military commanders — all assembled to pay tribute to Brig Gen Ibrahim’s sterling achievements.
A Transformative Tenure Recognised
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff, 13 Brigade, Colonel N. Isuwa, hailed Brigadier General Ibrahim as a visionary leader who demonstrated clarity of purpose, discipline, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army’s core values.
He highlighted the outgoing Commander’s role in strengthening the Brigade’s operational effectiveness and improving critical infrastructure — including the upgrade of OO Oluyede Hall, the renovation of the Officers’ Mess, and notable improvements in soldiers’ accommodation and training facilities.
Other speakers praised Brig Gen Ibrahim’s calm and decisive handling of security challenges, particularly communal clashes within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, as well as his commitment to troop welfare, unity, and continuous training.
Outgoing Commander Gives Final Address
In his farewell address, Brigadier General Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude to officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their loyalty, cooperation, and professionalism.
He urged them to remain disciplined, mission-focused, and committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He also thanked the Nigerian Army leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of commanding the Brigade.
The outgoing Commander formally introduced his successor, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, assuring guests of a seamless transition ahead of the official handing and taking over ceremony scheduled for 1 December 2025.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, and heartfelt tributes to his distinguished service.
YEMI SOKOYAMajorAssistant Director Army Public RelationsHeadquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army27 November 2025
Public Reactions
Following news of the celebration, some public commentators expressed mixed reactions online. Among the circulating opinions was one expressing concern over unresolved investigations into the past deaths of senior officers, stating:
> “Celebrating while the memories of General Alkali, Brigadier General M. Uba, and other patriotic security agents still linger painfully in the hearts of Nigerians.”
The Nigerian Army has not issued a response to such comments at the time of this report.
