The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has vowed to adopt the “soldiers first” principle in his command of the Nigerian Army in an effort to upscale troops’ standard of living and shoreup their morale. The COAS made this known while addressing troops of 26 Brigade in Dutse during his working tour to the formation on Tuesday 18 February 2025.

Speaking about the general welfare and well-being of soldiers, Gen Oluyede disclosed that effort is in top gear to increase the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for soldiers in order to enhance their feeding wherever they are deployed. He urged them to take advantage of the several welfare schemes, such as the Affordable Housing Ownership Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) and other financial empowerment schemes that have been established to bring succor to soldiers and their families.

The Army Chief informed that over 400 soldiers have so far benefitted from the AHOOAS Scheme, amongst which were soldiers wounded-in-action action in various operations. He charged the troops to train vigorously in order to remain physically and medically fit and professional.

The COAS commended the troops for keeping their area of responsibility secured and admonished them to be law abiding and avoid any unlawful indulgence, adding that he will not be hesitant in bringing defaulters to book. The COAS later inspected the newly completed Brigade Headquarters and other ongoing projects, and also commissioned the Brigade’s new Obstacle Course.

Earlier, the Commander 26 Brigade Brigadier General Joseph Mackintosh gave the COAS a brief on the security situation of the Brigade’s area of responsibility and highlighted the challenges confronting the troops. He assured that troops of the Brigade will remain resilient in guaranteeing the safety and security of their area of responsibility.