The Nigerian Army has officially renamed Akim Barracks, Headquarters 13 Brigade in Calabar, Cross River State, in honor of late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru. The historic renaming ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and was presided over by the incumbent COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Recognition of Service and Sacrifice
Security analyst Zagazola Makama noted that the designation of the facility as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks serves as a formal recognition of the late general’s service, exemplary leadership, and ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the nation. Attahiru, who died in a plane crash on May 21, 2021, alongside other military officers while serving as COAS, was widely remembered for his courage, professional competence, and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army.
The renaming of the barracks as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks is in recognition of the late general's service, exemplary leadership and ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.
In his address at the ceremony, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described the renaming as a deliberate institutional effort to preserve the memory of distinguished military leaders and reinforce the core values of the Army. He emphasized that although Attahiru’s tenure as COAS was relatively brief, his vision for operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, and troop fighting spirit continues to inspire the military. Shaibu stated that immortalizing the late general, who previously commanded the barracks, establishes a lasting connection between the Army’s heritage and the responsibilities of current and future generations of military personnel.
The COAS charged the officers and soldiers of the 13 Brigade to justify the honor through exemplary leadership, discipline, and integrity. He urged troops to uphold the highest standards of military conduct and to contribute to building a well-trained and properly equipped force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities. Additionally, Shaibu stressed the importance of the Army remaining effective within a joint and multi-agency operational environment to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
Maj.-Gen. Ayobami Fadiero, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, commended the COAS for his commitment to troop welfare and the decision to honor the late general. Fadiero stated that the gesture would strengthen institutional pride and boost the morale of personnel serving in the division. Dr. Peter Odey, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State representing Governor Sen. Bassey Otu, also paid tribute to Attahiru, describing his life as an enduring example of humility and patriotism worthy of emulation by the Armed Forces and younger Nigerians.
Mrs. Fatima Attahiru, the wife of the late general, expressed her family’s appreciation to the COAS and the Nigerian Army for the honor, describing it as a lasting source of pride and comfort. The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, members of the late general’s family, and residents of the barracks community, marking a significant moment in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to preserve the legacy of its fallen leaders.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
