Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended the Nigerian Army for honouring the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru (CFR), the 21st Chief of Army Staff, through the renaming of Akim Barracks, Calabar, as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gave the commendation while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony held in Calabar on Tuesday.
He described the renaming as a thoughtful and historic initiative that appropriately immortalises a distinguished military officer whose life was defined by courage, patriotism, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to the defence of Nigeria.
Otu noted that the renaming goes beyond a change of identity for a military installation, representing a solemn national obligation to preserve the memory of fallen heroes and recognise their sacrifices in the service of the country. He added that although General Attahiru’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was tragically brief, his contributions to the Nigerian Army, particularly his efforts to strengthen strategic direction, discipline and operational effectiveness, left an enduring legacy.
The Governor particularly commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army, under the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the initiative, describing it as a fitting recognition of General Attahiru’s contributions to the military and the nation. He expressed confidence that the newly renamed barracks, home to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, would serve as an enduring symbol of service, sacrifice, courage and national unity. He also charged officers and soldiers to uphold the ideals exemplified by the late General, including professionalism, discipline, loyalty and dedication to duty.
Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the welfare, training, equipping and operational readiness of the Armed Forces, assuring that the government would continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. He further conveyed the nation’s appreciation to the family of the late General Attahiru, assuring them that his service and ultimate sacrifice would remain indelible in the nation’s consciousness.
In a documentary eulogy presented earlier at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru was described as a distinguished military officer who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from January 26 to May 21, 2021, when he died in a tragic air crash alongside ten other officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1984 as a member of the 35th Regular Course, General Attahiru held several command positions during his military career, including Commanding Officer of the 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army, under Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, and Commander of the 13 Brigade at Akim Barracks, Calabar. His previous service at the barracks gives the renaming added historical significance, connecting his legacy to the military installation where he once served and commanded.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the renaming as a deliberate act of remembrance and a tribute to the distinguished service of a soldier whose life exemplified the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army. He noted that General Attahiru demonstrated remarkable courage, professional competence, discipline and commitment to duty, adding that his contributions to the military and the nation deserved enduring recognition despite his brief tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Shaibu charged the Commander of the 13 Brigade and all officers and soldiers under the command to ensure that the values associated with the late General Attahiru are reflected in their leadership, discipline, professionalism and relationship with the communities they serve. He also acknowledged the family of the late military chief, assuring them that his sacrifices and contributions to national service would remain deeply cherished by the Nigerian Army, while urging personnel to uphold the institution’s traditions of courage, accountability and selfless service.
In her vote of thanks, the wife of the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Army for honouring her late husband through the renaming of Akim Barracks as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks. She recalled his strong attachment to the barracks, where he served as Commanding Officer and later as Commander, highlighting his commitment to the welfare of young people, including the establishment of a youth ICT centre to promote learning and access to technology.
She also highlighted his enduring legacy through a scholarship initiative supporting dependants of military personnel, which has provided university education opportunities to over 200 beneficiaries. Mrs Attahiru thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army for preserving her husband’s memory, describing the honour as deeply meaningful to her family. She also called for continued recognition and support for military personnel and their families.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, the presentation of a recognition award to the wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Fatima Attahiru, and the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor’s representative, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
Government House, Calabar.
November 10, 2026
