The Commander of 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, has embarked on a familiarization tour of the 143 Ranger Battalion at Ovim Barracks in Abia State as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance troops’ welfare.
Brigadier General Dikko, who also serves as Commander Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force South East under Operation Udo Ka, carried out the visit on Friday, March 6, 2026, within the framework of the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, the Brigade Commander commended the troops for their 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 activities, 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 OA Fadairo, and is expected to enhance the secure storage and effective management of weapons and other military equipment within the unit.
The Brigade Commander also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a nursery and primary school for the Ovim Barracks community. The project, according to him, is aimed at improving educational opportunities for children of military personnel and residents within the barracks environment, further demonstrating the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations.
During the tour, General Dikko visited the Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI), where he observed ongoing training programmes designed to improve the linguistic and communication capabilities of military personnel.
He also inspected several locations within the battalion’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), 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 143 Ranger Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel B. Magaji, the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of a commemorative plaque, and group photographs.
— MAZINHO ATTAH
Captain
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army
