The Nigerian Army has renamed the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his contributions to the military and the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the renaming on Tuesday during a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu; and the widow of the late army chief, Mrs Fatima Attahiru.
Shaibu said the decision was aimed at immortalising the late military officer, whose career was marked by courage, professionalism, discipline and commitment to national service.
He described Attahiru as an exemplary leader and patriot whose contributions to the Nigerian Army remained worthy of enduring recognition, despite his brief tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
According to him, the late general assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army at a challenging period in the country’s security history and pursued operational effectiveness, personnel welfare and professionalism with determination.
“Although his promising tenure and life were tragically cut short, his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continue to resonate with the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.
The army chief said the renaming went beyond preserving the memory of the deceased officer, adding that it would serve as a reminder to serving and future generations of military personnel of the values of courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service.
He charged the Commander of the 13 Brigade and other personnel to ensure that the values associated with Attahiru’s name were reflected in their conduct, leadership and relationship with host communities.
Shaibu also urged military commanders to recognise that although appointments were transient, the standards they established and the examples they set could endure for generations.
In his remarks, Odey described the renaming as a national obligation of remembrance and recognition, saying the late army chief exemplified the finest traditions of military service.
“It is with this profound gratitude and deep sense of honour that I stand before you today at this historic military formation in Calabar, Cross River State, as we gather not merely to change the name of a military installation, but to fulfil a solemn national obligation of remembrance and recognition,” he said.
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The deputy governor described Attahiru as a soldier’s soldier, noting that although his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was brief, his impact on the Nigerian Army was significant and enduring.
He said, “The late General Attahiru was a leader who believed in leading from the front, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the welfare and operations of his men, and remained steadfast in the vision of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria.”
Odey said naming the military installation after the late general would ensure that his exemplary life, remarkable service and ultimate sacrifice continued to inspire officers and soldiers serving in the barracks and beyond.
He charged personnel of the newly renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks to uphold the values associated with the late military officer, particularly professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and selfless service.
“Let his memory inspire you daily as you discharge your constitutional responsibility of safeguarding our territorial integrity, combating terrorism and other criminal threats, as well as protecting lives, property and livelihoods of the people of Cross River State,” he added.
The deputy governor also assured the military of the state government’s commitment to supporting the welfare, training, equipment and operational readiness of the armed forces.
He commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the initiative, describing it as a fitting recognition of Attahiru’s contributions to the military and the country.
The widow of the late army chief, Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for honouring her husband, describing the gesture as a lasting recognition of his service and sacrifice to the nation.
“Renaming this barracks after my husband is a profound honour to our family. It is comforting to know that his service, sacrifices and dedication to Nigeria have not been forgotten. I sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army and everyone who has made this recognition possible,” she said.
She added that her husband’s commitment to the Nigerian Army and the country would continue to inspire generations of military personnel.
Attahiru, who was Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, died in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna State on May 21, 2021, alongside other military personnel.
