By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commiserated with the Bayelsa State Government and people over the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away in December 2025.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the loss as painful and significant, not only to Bayelsa State but to the nation at large, and urged continued prayers and support for the bereaved family. He spoke on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The visit formed part of the COAS’s maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which covers Bayelsa State. In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief also commended the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly 16 Brigade.
He specifically praised Governor Diri for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments for troops of 16 Brigade, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
According to him, the facilities would ease housing challenges, boost troop morale and enhance operational efficiency.
Lieutenant General Shaibu, who noted significant infrastructural improvements across the state since his last visit about five years ago, assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government to ensure peace, security and stability.
In his response, Governor Diri thanked the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. He commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Army, pledging continued commitment to improving troop welfare.
The visit further underscored the strong civil-military relations between the Nigerian Army and the Bayelsa State Government, aimed at sustaining peace and enhancing operational effectiveness within the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
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