Army Engineers Commander Strengthens Operational Ties with 8 Division

By Zainab Uzomah

The Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Shamsudeen Shafaru, has paid an operational and familiarisation visit to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, as part of efforts to boost inter-corps cooperation and enhance military readiness in the North-West.

In a statement signed by Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division, the visit was held at the division’s conference room and focused on assessing engineering operations, improving professional synergy and strengthening operational effectiveness across the division’s area of responsibility.

During the engagement, Major General Shafaru held discussions with the GOC and senior officers on ongoing missions, engineering support requirements and infrastructural developments within formations and units under 8 Division.

He said the visit was aimed at reviewing the deployment and welfare of engineer personnel, as well as evaluating the readiness of engineering units supporting ongoing operations. He emphasised the critical role of the Corps in combat engineering, infrastructure maintenance and improving troop mobility and survivability in both peace and conflict environments.

Major General Shafaru also commended the GOC for what he described as exemplary leadership and the division’s effective use of engineering assets in support of operational tasks. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to tackling challenges, building capacity and providing training, equipment and timely interventions where needed.

Responding, Major General Koughna welcomed the visit, describing it as a significant step toward deepening collaboration between the division and the Corps of Engineers. He highlighted ongoing operational demands, infrastructure needs and the essential contributions of engineering units to the success of military missions. He reiterated the division’s commitment to optimising and maintaining engineering resources.

The visit ended with the signing of the visitors’ book, an exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.