Nigerian Army Renames Calabar Barracks After Late COAS Attahiru, Honours His Legacy
The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, Headquarters 13 Brigade in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his outstanding service and ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
The barracks has now been renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks following a ceremony conducted on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony took place during the COAS’s operational visit to Cross River State and was aimed at preserving the memory of the late General, whose leadership, courage and dedication to military service left a lasting impact on the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the renaming as a deliberate effort to honour the late Army Chief and preserve the institutional values he represented.
He said Attahiru demonstrated courage, professionalism, discipline and selfless commitment to national service, particularly during a difficult period in Nigeria’s security history.
According to him, although Attahiru’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was relatively short, his contributions to operational effectiveness, troop welfare, professionalism and military fighting spirit remain significant.
The COAS explained that the gesture was not merely about preserving the late General’s memory but also about connecting the Army’s history with the responsibilities of serving and future generations of military personnel.
He charged officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to uphold the values associated with the late General through discipline, integrity, exemplary leadership and operational excellence.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDOK, Major General Ayobami Fadiero, commended the COAS for prioritising troop welfare and honouring the late military chief.
He said the gesture would strengthen institutional pride and boost the morale of personnel serving in the Division.
Representing Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey, described the late Attahiru as a symbol of exemplary leadership, humility and patriotism whose life should inspire Nigerians, especially members of the Armed Forces.
Also speaking, the wife of the late General, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, appreciated the Nigerian Army and the COAS for the recognition, describing the honour as a lasting source of pride and comfort to the family.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, members of the late General’s family and residents of the barracks community.
