•Lt.Gen. Wahidi Shaibu
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Wahidi Shaibu, has promised to prioritise the doctrine of Soldier-First during his tenure.
He hinted at the need to make changes in the appointment of commanders within a few weeks, reports The Nation.
Shaibu, who was the Theatre Commander in the Northeast before his appointment, stated this while addressing reporters yesterday in Borno State during his first operational visit as the Army chief.
He had a long briefing with the commanders in the company of some senior military officers at the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.
Shaibu promised that the welfare of the soldiers would not only stop at the frontline but would be extended to their families as well.
“You are aware that I’ve been here for a very long time and I’m aware of the challenges. My coming here is, first and foremost, to appreciate the troops for what they have been doing and the extent they are going to secure the entire areas of operations.
“For motivating the troops, we try to uphold the soldier-first concept of my predecessor. I’ll do everything to improve on that concept. As soldiers get what is due to them on time and, going forward, we will see how we can extend that to their family at home while they serve their fatherland,” the COAS said.
Shaibu hinted that the Army under his watch would appoint capable commanders to man the operations in the theatre and other military operations across the country.
He said: “We will ensure that the right people are placed in the right places. We will appoint the right type of commanders and staff officers in various ways to ensure that we do what is best for the soldiers by holding fairness and justice within the system, and ensure that every person gets what is due to them within the system.
“Every person will get their dues, knowing fully well that the morale concept of fighting power is key to achieving the desired expectations.”
The COAS promised that all soldiers’ allowances would be paid without delay to boost the morale of the troops.
“We will do our best to ensure we drive all these policies that are key to improving soldiers’ welfare. We will make sure we do that on time.
“We will continue to pay their allowances on time; of course, you are aware that the ration cost allowances have been approved for the soldiers. With all these packages for them, they will know that they are being taken care of,” he added.
