GOC 8 Division commissions 10-unit SNCO quarters in Gusau, reaffirms Army’s soldiers-first policy
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
Details about the project were contained in a statement sent to The DEFENDER in Gusau and signed by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in the state capital.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General BP Koughna, has commissioned a newly constructed 10-unit Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) residential quarters at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Headquarters 1 Brigade, Gusau, Zamfara State.
The commissioning, which took place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve the welfare and living conditions of its personnel and their families.
Details about the project were contained in a statement sent to The DEFENDER in Gusau and signed by Captain Yusuf Mohammed, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in the state capital.
According to the statement, the housing project was initiated and executed by the Commander, 1 Brigade, Brigadier General M Jimoh, as part of measures to provide adequate and conducive accommodation for troops serving in the formation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Koughna commended Brigadier General Jimoh for his foresight, dedication and commitment to the welfare of personnel under his command.
He said the project was consistent with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) “Soldiers First” Command Philosophy, which seeks to create an enabling environment for personnel to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The GOC stressed that quality accommodation was a critical component of troop welfare, noting that it could contribute significantly to improved morale, stronger unit cohesion and enhanced operational readiness.
He urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facility and ensure that the quarters were properly maintained to preserve the investment for the benefit of serving personnel and their families.
Earlier, the Commander of 1 Brigade, Brigadier General M Jimoh, said the project was conceived in recognition of the important roles played by Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Army.
He explained that the successful completion of the quarters was driven by the GOC’s vision for improved troop welfare and force protection, in line with the broader vision of the Chief of Army Staff.
Brigadier General Jimoh expressed optimism that the new accommodation would improve the standard of living of the beneficiaries while strengthening their sense of belonging and commitment to their duties.
The project, according to the Army, further underscores the commitment of Headquarters 1 Brigade and 8 Division to enhancing the welfare, efficiency and operational effectiveness of personnel.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior military officers, including Major General UG Ogeleka, Major General SA Emmanuel and Brigadier General N Mbaka, as well as Principal Staff Officers from the Theatre Command and 1 Brigade, serving soldiers and other invited guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included a project brief by the site supervisor, the symbolic commissioning of the building, presentation of keys to the beneficiaries, exchange of plaques and group photographs.
