The Nigerian Army has renamed the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade, Akim Barracks, in Calabar, Cross River State, after former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, to honour his contributions to the military and the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the renaming on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu; and the late general’s widow, Fatima Attahiru.
Shaibu said the decision was part of efforts to preserve the legacy of the late military leader, whose service was characterised by courage, discipline, professionalism and dedication to the nation.
He described Attahiru as an outstanding patriot and exemplary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian Army deserved lasting recognition, despite his short tenure as the Chief of Army Staff.
The army chief noted that Attahiru took over the leadership of the military at a difficult period in the nation’s security history, adding that he worked towards improving operational efficiency, personnel welfare and professionalism.
“Although his promising tenure and life were tragically cut short, his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continue to resonate with the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.
He explained that the renaming was not merely an effort to immortalise the deceased officer but also to inspire serving and future military personnel to uphold courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service.
Shaibu urged the Commander of the 13 Brigade and other personnel to ensure that the principles associated with Attahiru’s name were evident in their leadership, conduct and engagement with host communities.
He also reminded military commanders that although appointments were temporary, the standards they set and the examples they provided could remain relevant for generations.
Speaking at the event, Odey described the renaming as a national duty to honour the memory and service of the late army chief.
“It is with this profound gratitude and deep sense of honour that I stand before you today at this historic military formation in Calabar, Cross River State, as we gather not merely to change the name of a military installation, but to fulfil a solemn national obligation of remembrance and recognition,” he said.
The deputy governor said Attahiru embodied the finest traditions of military service, adding that his influence on the Nigerian Army remained significant despite his brief tenure as the service chief.
“The late General Attahiru was a leader who believed in leading from the front, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the welfare and operations of his men, and remained steadfast in the vision of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria.”
Odey said the decision to name the barracks after the late general would ensure that his service, sacrifice and exemplary leadership continued to motivate military personnel.
He charged officers and soldiers of the newly named Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks to uphold professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and dedication to national service.
“Let his memory inspire you daily as you discharge your constitutional responsibility of safeguarding our territorial integrity, combating terrorism and other criminal threats, as well as protecting lives, property and livelihoods of the people of Cross River State,” he added.
Odey assured the Nigerian Army of the Cross River State Government’s continued support for the welfare, training, equipment and operational readiness of military personnel.
He also commended the army leadership for the initiative, describing it as a fitting tribute to Attahiru’s service to the nation.
In her remarks, Fatima Attahiru thanked the Nigerian Army for honouring her late husband, saying the gesture would preserve his memory and contributions to the country.
“Renaming this barracks after my husband is a profound honour to our family. It is comforting to know that his service, sacrifices and dedication to Nigeria have not been forgotten. I sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army and everyone who has made this recognition possible,” she said.
She added that her husband’s dedication to the military and Nigeria would remain a source of inspiration to generations of officers and soldiers.
Attahiru, Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, died in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna State on May 21, 2021, alongside other military personnel.
