By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Calabar, Cross River State, after the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his service, leadership and ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country.
The barracks was renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during an operational visit to Cross River State by the current COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who performed the ceremony on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement, saying the honour was aimed at preserving the memory of the late General and recognising his contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country.
According to the statement, Shaibu described the renaming as a deliberate act of remembrance and an enduring affirmation of the institutional values that define the Nigerian Army.
He noted that Attahiru exemplified courage, professional competence, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, particularly during a challenging period in the nation’s security history.
The COAS acknowledged that although Attahiru’s tenure was brief, his commitment to operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, professionalism and the fighting spirit of troops remained a source of inspiration to the Army.
He urged officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to uphold the late General’s legacy through exemplary leadership, discipline, integrity and operational excellence, while strengthening their relationship with the communities they serve.
Shaibu further charged the troops to maintain the highest standards of military conduct and contribute to building a well-trained, adequately equipped and highly motivated force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDOK, Major General Ayobami Fadiero, commended the COAS for the gesture, noting that it would strengthen institutional pride and boost the morale of personnel.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, described the late Attahiru as an example of exemplary leadership, humility and patriotism worthy of emulation, particularly by military personnel.
Also speaking, the wife of the late General, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the honour, describing it as a lasting source of pride and comfort to the family.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, members of the late General’s family and residents of the barracks community.
