81 DIVISION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ARMED FORCES COLLABORATION DURING NAFRC COURTESY CALL

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has reaffirmed the Division’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), as the Centre’s Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, paid a courtesy visit to the Division’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos. The visit, which took place on Friday, 23rd January 2026, underscored the growing emphasis on inter-service cooperation within the Armed Forces, particularly in areas of training, transition support and national development.

In a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the GOC highlighted the strategic importance of collaboration among all arms of the Armed Forces. According to the statement, Major General Babalola noted that 81 Division’s operational responsibility over Lagos and Ogun States, with Lagos serving as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, demands sustained synergy among security stakeholders to ensure stability, safety and economic continuity. He further assured the NAFRC Commandant of the Division’s readiness to deepen cooperation, especially in training initiatives and other mutually beneficial engagements.

Major General Babalola expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and symbolic of the shared commitment to strengthening institutional ties within the military. He reiterated that the Division would continue to provide full support to NAFRC as it pursues its mandate of preparing personnel for a successful transition from military to civilian life.

Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo explained that the visit was aimed at reinforcing the long standing cordial relationship between NAFRC and 81 Division. He noted that the Resettlement Centre plays a critical role in equipping personnel approaching retirement with the skills and mindset required to navigate post-service life, acknowledging the stark differences between military and civilian environments. The Commandant also expressed gratitude for the Division’s consistent support and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for appointing Major General Babalola as the 26th GOC of 81 Division.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to the Commandant, the signing of the visitors’ book and a group photograph which are the symbolic gestures marking a renewed commitment to collaboration and shared institutional goals within the Armed Forces.