The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Calabar, Cross River State, as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks in honour of the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.
The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, was performed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, during his operational visit to Cross River State.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the renaming recognises the late General’s exceptional service, exemplary leadership and ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the COAS described the gesture as a deliberate act of remembrance and an enduring affirmation of the institutional values of the Nigerian Army. He noted that the late Lieutenant General Attahiru exemplified courage, professional competence, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, particularly during a challenging period in the nation’s security history.
He added that although his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was brief, his commitment to operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, professionalism and the fighting spirit of troops continued to resonate within the Nigerian Army.
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General Shaibu further explained that immortalising the late COAS, who once commanded the barracks, goes beyond preserving his memory, as it connects the Army’s rich heritage with the responsibilities of present and future generations of military personnel.
He charged officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to uphold the honour through exemplary leadership, discipline, integrity, operational excellence and stronger relationships with the communities they are mandated to protect. He also urged them to maintain the highest standards of military conduct and contribute to building a well-trained, equipped and motivated force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.
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 his commitment to troop welfare and for immortalising the late General. He noted that the gesture would strengthen institutional pride and boost the morale of personnel serving in the Division.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey, also paid tribute to the late General, describing his life as an enduring example of leadership, humility and patriotism worthy of emulation, particularly by military personnel.
In her remarks, the wife of the late General, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the COAS and the Nigerian Army for the recognition, 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.
