The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Imeko, Ogun State, to remain vigilant, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He also cautioned the troops against harassment, extortion and all forms of misconduct, stressing that acts of indiscipline capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army would not be tolerated.

The GOC gave the charge during an operational visit to the FOB, where he interacted with troops and assessed their welfare and operational readiness.

He said the visit formed part of his efforts to familiarise himself with troops deployed across the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) and gain firsthand insight into their operational challenges and welfare needs.

Babalola commended the troops for their discipline, commitment and dedication to duty, noting that reports from the Officer Commanding the FOB, Major S.Y. Tula, as well as feedback from stakeholders in the Imeko community, attested to the professionalism and exemplary conduct of the troops.

He urged them to sustain the high standards they have demonstrated in the discharge of their duties.

The GOC further reminded the troops of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Pillars of Professional Excellence—Sound Administration, Operational Effectiveness, Strategic Collaboration and Exemplary Leadership—urging them to align their actions with these guiding principles.

As part of the visit, Babalola paid a courtesy call on the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Alabi Oyeditan-Olanite, where he solicited the continued support, cooperation and goodwill of the traditional institution and the people of Imeko towards the successful conduct of military operations in the area.

He also sought feedback on the conduct of troops to ensure they continued to meet the expectations of the host community.

Earlier, the GOC visited the Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, where he was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General F.O. Onu, who recently assumed command.

During the visit, he inspected key facilities within the Brigade, including the 35 Artillery Brigade War Memorial and other operational and administrative infrastructure.

The GOC was accompanied by the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, the Commander, 45 Engineer Brigade, as well as other commanders and staff officers from Headquarters 81 Division.

Highlights of the visit included interactions with troops at various deployment locations, inspection of facilities, presentation of souvenirs, signing of the Visitors’ Book and group photographs.