GOC 2 Division Embarks On Operational Visit To 4 Brigade Nigerian Army

GOC 2 Division Embarks On Operational Visit To 4 Brigade Nigerian Army

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General, Obinna Onubogu, embarked on operational visit to 4 Brigade NA. The 4 days intensive tour, took place within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), from 30 April 2024 to 3 May 2024.

On his arrival at Ikiadalor, Ovia South LGA of Edo State, the GOC and his entourage were well received by the Commander, 4 Brigade NA, Brigadier General EO Oduyebo; who led the Chief Tiger to the Brigade Headquarters (HQ), where he was accorded the traditional military quarter guard reception. Before leading the GOC to the various locations within 4 Brigade AOR, Brigadier General Oduyebo, gave a detailed brief on the security situation and general activities of 4 Brigade, with specific emphasis on the Brigade HQ. He stated that, armed banditory, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes and other forms of criminality, constitute the security challenges the Brigade is being confronted with. However, Brigadier General Oduyebo, informed the GOC, that, amidst the challenging circumstances, the Brigade under his command, has remained firm and resilient; determined to fight and eliminate all forms of crime and criminal elements in Edo State. He said that, the recent release of kidnapped Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other travellers, was as a result of continuous synergy and collaborative efforts between troops of 4 Brigade and other security agencies, including vigilante groups in the State. Accordingly, troops, most times conduct joint operations with other security agencies, to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols, which has led to several recoveries of various types of arms and ammunition.

Subsequently, the GOC left 4 Brigade HQ to other units and formations under the Brigade AOR. These include; 4 Brigade Garrison, Ekehuan Barracks, 322 Artillery Regiment, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Sobe, FOB Ehor and 195 Battalion, (Rear), Wepawanu Barracks, Aganebode. He was adequately briefed by the Commanding Officers (COs) and Officers Commanding (OCs) of the respective units and formations.

While receiving operational briefs from the COs and OCs, the GOC was presented with several challenges which grossly affect the general living conditions of personnel and their families in the barracks. Some of these challenges include; lack of water, which in most cases stems from poor electricity supply to pump some existing boreholes, poor state of medical facilities, inadequate accommodation and poor road networks.

The GOC, made several interventions to proffer immediate solutions to some of the enumerated challenges. He donated boreholes, generators and also directed the repairs of unserviceable operational vehicles. Also, he promised to present certain higher demands to Appropriate Superior Authorities (ASA) for considerations and necessary actions.

Major General Onubogu, devoted some of his time to visit NA Training Institutions and other formations located within 4 Brigade AOR. He was at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), Auchi and Nigerian Army Military Hospital, Benin (NAMHB). During his extensive interactions with the Commandants of NASST, NASEME as well as the Director, NAMHB, who are, Major Generals ND Shagaya, OO Arogundade and Brigadier General PO Aborime respectively, he emphasized on the need to prioritize growth and development of the NA, through deliberate positive actions which are geared towards achieving the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.

Similarly, the GOC, visited and interacted with the Principals and Pupils of Army Day Secondary School and Army Children Primary School, in Wepawanu Barracks, Aganebode. He applauded the teachers for their contributions towards impacting the right knowledge, morals and discipline in the Pupils; adding that, their successes in the future, would largely be determined by the quality of education and care they get while growing up. He therefore, urged them (Teachers) not to relent in sustaining efforts required to deliver quality education and general training to barrack children for a better society.

The four days tour, equally witnessed visits to some sick serving and retired NA personnel, NAOWA skills acquisition center and courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, George Shimapi Egabor OON, the OMOAZE 1 and OKUMAGBE of UWANNO KINGDOM. Some highpoints of the tour were commissioning of 5 new boreholes at 4 Brigade Garrison, Ekehuan Barracks, address sessions to troops at various locations, units and formations as well as presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.