The Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has unveiled Nigerian Army Post Exchange (NAPEX) Warehouse located at 7 Division Nigerian Army Annex, in Maiduguri today 20 July 2025.
Speaking during the ceremony, General Abubakar who was the special guest of honour, stated that the aim of the Warehouse was to enhance and improve troops’ welfare, deepen morale and reaffirm Nigerian Army's (NA) commitments to the transformation drive and well-being of troops, in line with the Chief of Army Staff's (COAS) Command philosophy, which is "To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a Well - Motivated and Combat - Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Multi - Agency Environment".
General Abdulsalam commended the troops of OPHK for standing as an unwavering shield against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of insecurity that have threatened the sovereignty of the nation.
He noted that while pursuing operational successes on the battlefield, it was necessary to prioritize the welfare of the troops and their families, which brings to the fore the strategic importance of the NAPEX Warehouse.
He stressed that the facility was not just a symbolic gesture, but a practical and impactful initiative designed to meet the daily needs of troops, both within the cantonment and across various sectors, formations and units, signifying the high premium the COAS places on welfare of troops.
General Abubakar further averred that the Warehouse would serve as a reliable hub for accessing quality rations and daily necessities at highly affordable rates relieving commanders the stress and unnecessary expenses to secure basic supplies while in the theatre, thereby concentrating in the conduct of operations.
The Theatre Commander used the channel to express profound appreciation to the COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his commitment and tireless efforts in providing critical combat enablers to the theatre, as well as rolling out numerous welfare packages, towards enhancing the welfare of troops and their families.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Managing Director NAPEX and host of the event, Brigadier General Jibrin Adams, stated that NAPEX is an organ of the NA’s welfare service outlets that caters for personnel and their families.
He said NAPEX currently operates 41 supermarkets across NA Cantonments and Barracks nationwide, through which it discharges its main objective of providing goods and services at discounted prices.
He emphasized that as part of its mandates, NAPEX is engaged in a range of business enterprises to generate revenue, used to sustain its activities.
He added that the new Warehouse will be integrated with mini food processing plants that will produce food items to be sold in the NAPEX Supper Stores. This initiative he added, is intended as a means of empowerment to the barracks women in particular, targeted to bolster the Khaki Economy.
The Managing Director thanked the COAS for his support towards actualizing the initiative, as well as the Theatre Commander and General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, for proving the enabling environment and support.
He equally appreciated UMZA group and other stakeholders for facilitating the birthing of the Warehouse.
The Theatre spokeaperson, Captain Reuben Kovangiya said the Deputy Theatre Commander OPHK Air Vice Marshal Essien Efanga, Acting Genenral Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, Component Commanders and other senior military officers of OPHK were present at the unveiling ceremony.
Others include members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association 7 Division chapter, Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, representatives of UMZA and Gudari business limited.
