By Paul Ebi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, has concluded his maiden operational tour of 13 and 14 Brigades as well as other units and training institutions within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), with a firm call for strengthened security collaboration among South-East states.
During the tour, Major General Fadairo also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, where he stressed the urgent need for a unified regional approach to tackling security threats. Addressing the Governor and heads of security agencies at the Government House, Umuahia, the GOC proposed a joint security summit involving South-East governors and leadership of all security agencies. According to him, such a platform would “boost synergy of purpose” and reinforce ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
He assured Governor Otti of enhanced operational strategies aimed at consolidating gains already recorded by security forces. Major General Fadairo commended the Governor for his “consistent support to the Division and other security agencies,” noting that cooperation with state authorities remains vital to achieving lasting peace.
Operational Review and Project Commissioning at 13 Brigade
At 13 Brigade’s AOR, the GOC received operational briefings and expressed satisfaction with the Brigade’s performance, describing it as reflective of the Army’s renewed push for professionalism and improved readiness.
He also commissioned several new projects executed under Brigadier General M. O. Ibrahim, including the newly built General O. O. Oluyede Hall—a versatile facility for lectures and conferences—as well as two units of modern soldiers’ transit accommodations. Major General Fadairo praised the projects as “clear evidence of commitment to troops’ welfare” and encouraged other commanders to emulate such forward-looking leadership.
Charge to Troops at 14 Brigade
While addressing troops in 14 Brigade’s AOR, the GOC urged officers and soldiers to remain patriotic, disciplined, and resolute in eliminating residual criminal elements threatening peace in the region. He stressed the need for professionalism, including the protection of law-abiding citizens and joint operations with other security agencies.
Major General Fadairo also conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, to the commander of 14 Brigade, Brigadier General H. M. Bello, and other officers within the Division. He lauded their gallantry in weakening separatist groups and disrupting criminal networks across the South-East.
He reaffirmed the COAS’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of personnel, both in service and after retirement, and reminded troops of their duty to remain loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.
