The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing soldiers’ welfare, vowing to adopt a “soldiers first” approach in his leadership of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking during a working tour of the 26 Brigade in Dutse on Tuesday, General Oluyede emphasized his resolve to improve troops’ standard of living and boost their morale.
He announced ongoing efforts to increase the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for soldiers to ensure better feeding, regardless of their deployment location. 
He also urged troops to take full advantage of various welfare initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Ownership Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) and financial empowerment programs designed to support soldiers and their families.
According to the Army Chief, more than 400 soldiers, including those wounded in action, have so far benefited from the AHOOAS scheme. 
Encouraging troops to maintain peak physical and professional standards, Gen. Oluyede stressed the importance of rigorous training to ensure fitness and operational readiness.
He commended the soldiers for maintaining security in their area of responsibility and warned against any unlawful activities, stating that he would not hesitate to hold defaulters accountable. 
As part of his visit, the COAS inspected the newly completed Brigade Headquarters, reviewed ongoing projects, and commissioned the Brigade’s new Obstacle Course.
Earlier, the Commander of the 26 Brigade, Brigadier General Joseph Mackintosh, briefed the COAS on the security situation in the Brigade’s area of responsibility and highlighted key operational challenges.
He assured the Army Chief of the troops’ unwavering dedication to ensuring security and stability in the region.