ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has warned troops deployed at its Forward Operating Base (FOB) in  Imeko, Ogun State, against harassment, extortion and all forms of misconduct, stressing that indiscipline and actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army would not be tolerated.

The GOC gave the warning during an operational visit to the forward operating base, where he also charged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Major General Babalola said the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), aimed at assessing operational readiness, identifying challenges and evaluating the welfare of personnel.

He commended the troops for their commitment, discipline and dedication to duty, noting that reports from the Officer Commanding the FOB, Major S.Y. Tula, as well as feedback from stakeholders in the Imeko community, reflected the professionalism and exemplary conduct of the personnel.

The GOC urged the troops to sustain the high standards they had demonstrated and reminded them of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Nigerian Army’s Five Pillars of Professional Excellence—Sound Administration, Operational Effectiveness, Strategic Collaboration and Exemplary Leadership.

As part of the visit, Major General Babalola paid a courtesy call on the Onimeko of Imeko, His Royal Majesty Oba Benjamin Alabi Oyeditan-Olanite, where he sought the continued support and cooperation of the traditional institution and residents of the community towards the success of military operations in the area.

He also requested feedback from the monarch on the conduct of troops to ensure they continued to maintain cordial relations with their host communities.

Earlier, the GOC visited the Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, where he was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General F.O. Onu. During the visit, he inspected key operational and administrative facilities, including the 35 Artillery Brigade War Memorial.

Major General Babalola was accompanied by the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, the Commander, 45 Engineer Brigade, as well as other commanders and staff officers from Headquarters 81 Division.

Highlights of the visit included interactions with troops at various deployment locations and inspection of facilities.