The Commander of the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, has embarked on a familiarization tour to the 143 Ranger Battalion in Ovím Barracks, Abia State, where he commissioned a newly constructed armoury and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a nursery and primary school project.
Brigadier General Dikko, who also doubles as the Commander Sector 3 Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, conducted the visit on Friday, March 6, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance the welfare of troops under the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, the Brigade Commander commended the troops for their commitment, resilience, and dedication in maintaining peace and security within their operational environment. He stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and continuous training in sustaining the operational readiness of the Nigerian Army.
As part of the visit, General Dikko commissioned a newly constructed armoury built by the Army Headquarters Department of Logistics. The facility was commissioned on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Fadairo.
According to the Brigade Commander, the armoury is expected to significantly enhance the secure storage and management of weapons and other military equipment within the unit, thereby improving the operational capacity and combat readiness of troops deployed in the region.
In a further demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to civil-military relations and community development, Brigadier General Dikko also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a nursery and primary school for the Ovim Barracks community. The project is aimed at improving educational facilities for children of military personnel and residents within the barracks environment.
During the tour, the Brigade Commander also visited the Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI), where he observed ongoing training programmes designed to enhance the linguistic and communication capabilities of military personnel.
He further inspected several locations within the battalion’s Area of Responsibility, including Uturu, Ihube/Okigwe Junction, Nneato, Umuaku, and the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Isuochi.
Highlights of the visit included the inspection of a mounted Quarter Guard in honour of the Brigade Commander, a detailed operational briefing by the Commanding Officer of the 143 Ranger Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel B. Magaji, the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of a commemorative plaque, and group photographs.
