GOC 8 Division Nigerian Army Commissions 10-unit SNCO Quarters
…Restates COAS’ soldiers first command philosophy
In a continuous effort to improve the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General BP Koughna, on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, officially commissioned a newly constructed 10-unit Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Quarters at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Headquarters 1 Brigade in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Details of the project commissioning ceremony was contained in a statement signed by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the housing project, initiated and executed by the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General M Jimoh, is part of a broader commitment to providing adequate and conducive infrastructure for soldiers and their families.
Delivering his remarks at the ceremony, Major General Koughna commended Brig Gen Jimoh for his foresight, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops.
He described the project as a laudable initiative that perfectly aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Soldiers First Command Philosophy drive to create an enabling environment for personnel to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The GOC emphasized that quality accommodation remains a core pillar of troop welfare, noting its direct impact on boosting morale, strengthening unit cohesion and enhancing operational readiness.
He further charged the beneficiaries to ensure the highest standards of maintenance for the new facility.
Earlier in his address, the Commander 1 Brigade, Brig Gen M Jimoh, explained that the project was conceived in recognition of the critical roles played by SNCOs in the Nigerian Army.
He highlighted that the successful execution of the project was driven by the GOC’s vision regarding troop welfare and force protection, which operates in tandem with the overarching vision of the COAS.
Brig Gen Jimoh expressed confidence that the new quarters would significantly improve the standard of living for the beneficiaries while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and commitment to duty.
The successful completion of this project further demonstrates the dedication of both the Headquarters 1 Brigade and the 8 Division toward supporting the well-being, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of troops.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several distinguished senior officers, including Maj Gen UG Ogeleka, Maj Gen SA Emmanuel, Brig Gen N Mbaka, as well as other Principal Staff Officers from the Theatre Command and 1 Brigade, alongside soldiers and invited guests.
Highlights of the event included a project brief by the site supervisor, the symbolic commissioning of the building, the official presentation of keys to the beneficiaries, the exchange of plaques, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.
