RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, headquarters of 13 Brigade in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his service and contributions to national security.
The renaming ceremony was performed on Tuesday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during his operational visit to Cross River State.
The facility will now be known as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the decision as a tribute to Attahiru’s leadership, professionalism, discipline and dedication to military service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaibu said the honour was intended to preserve the late general’s legacy and inspire serving and future generations of military personnel.
He noted that although Attahiru’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was brief, his commitment to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and military professionalism remained significant.
The Army chief urged officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to uphold the values associated with the late general, particularly integrity, discipline, courage and selfless service.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relationships with host communities and strengthening cooperation with other security agencies.
According to Shaibu, the renaming was particularly significant because Attahiru had previously commanded the brigade.
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Ayobami Fadiero, commended the Army leadership for honouring the former service chief, describing the gesture as important to institutional pride and troop morale.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, also paid tribute to Attahiru, describing his military career as an example of leadership and patriotism.
The late general’s wife, Fatima Attahiru, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for preserving her husband’s memory.
She described the honour as a source of pride and comfort to the family.
Attahiru served as Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Army Staff from January 2021 until his death on May 21, 2021, in a military aircraft crash near Kaduna.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government representatives, members of the Attahiru family and residents of the barracks community.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism, operational readiness and the welfare of personnel while preserving the legacies of officers who contributed to national service.
