COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.

The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).

Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.

He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.

According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.

He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.

Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.

He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.

The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.

He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors

Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade have neutralised a suspected intruder during a perimeter patrol in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to sources, the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on June 20 at Ngamdu, where troops were conducting routine security patrols around a military location.

The sources stated that the troops sighted a female intruder approaching the defensive perimeter of the position.

The suspect was subsequently neutralised near the parapet during the operation.

Military authorities said the patrol was completed successfully without any further security incident.

Ngamdu, located along a strategic corridor in Kaga Local Government Area, has remained an area of security interest due to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to maintain surveillance and conduct routine patrols aimed at preventing attacks and safeguarding military positions and surrounding communities.

Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno

Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Two teenage girls believed to be family members of ISWAP terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources disclosed that the girls, identified as Tata Ahmodu, 16, and Adama Abubakar, 14, surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on June 19 to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at Forward Operating Base Pulka.

According to preliminary findings, the teenagers escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Jongo area around the Dure general area within the Sambisa Forest axis.

The escapees reportedly told troops that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within the camp contributed to their decision to flee the terrorist enclave.

Following their surrender, the girls were screened, documented and taken into custody by military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Security officials said the development reflects ongoing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East, which continues to yield defections, surrenders and rescues of vulnerable persons.

They added that efforts are ongoing to sustain operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring normalcy in affected communities.

Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno