By Dennis Okechukwu
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and well-being of its personnel while warning officers and soldiers against substance abuse and other conduct incompatible with military professionalism.
The assurance was given during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration of the Combat Service Support Corps at the Nigerian Army Barracks, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos. The corps comprises the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Medical Corps, Ordnance Corps, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM).
The event attracted senior officers, soldiers, their families and guests, and featured cultural performances by Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo dance troupes, awards to outstanding personnel, an inter-corps tug-of-war competition, and donations to 20 widows of fallen soldiers.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said 2025 had been a demanding year for the Nigerian Army, with troops—particularly logistics and combat service support personnel—actively engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, the Army Chief stressed that while significant responsibilities had been entrusted to officers and soldiers, the Army expected high standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism in return.
He cautioned personnel against substance abuse and other negative vices, urging them to uphold the values of the service as the Army prepares for another challenging operational year.
Lt-Gen. Shaibu noted that the WASA tradition, which dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force, provides an opportunity for personnel to relax, celebrate achievements, strengthen family bonds and prepare mentally and socially for future tasks.
Earlier, the Acting Commander, Corps of Medical, Combat Service Support Corps, Brig-Gen. Innocent Enwuchola, described WASA as a long-standing tradition that promotes unity, discipline and esprit de corps among personnel, their families and host communities.
He commended officers and soldiers of the various corps for their critical roles in sustaining military operations nationwide, noting that their logistics, medical and technical support had boosted troop morale and contributed to the protection of lives and property.
The celebration ended with goodwill messages and renewed commitment to professionalism as the Nigerian Army looks ahead to the 2026 operational year.