FIC Report (Edo State) – The Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, on Tuesday decorated five senior officers who were promoted from Major to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
The decoration ceremony took place on April 7, 2026, at the Tiger 4 Officers’ Mess in Benin City.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Brigade Commander charged them to justify their elevation through renewed commitment, loyalty, and dedication to national service. He reminded them that promotion in the military is not merely a reward for past performance but also a call to greater responsibility.
Balogun emphasized that the Nigerian Army leadership expects the officers to live up to the confidence reposed in them by the Army Council and the Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria). He urged them to mentor junior officers and soldiers under their command while contributing meaningfully to the operational success and integrity of the Army.
The Commander also paid tribute to the families of the officers, especially their spouses, whom he described as strong pillars behind their achievements. According to him, the sacrifices, patience, and unwavering support from the home front play a significant role in enabling military personnel to effectively discharge their duties.
Offering words of guidance during the ceremony, the Commander of 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Awwal Audu, and the Acting Deputy Director of the Benin Group of Church Protestant/4 Brigade Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Dallys, encouraged the officers to see their promotion as the beginning of greater responsibilities rather than a final achievement.
They noted that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel places them at a crucial level of command and staff responsibility where decisions have significant operational and strategic implications.
Speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, Lieutenant Colonel David Omoregie expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to attain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army.
He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria) for approving their promotion and thanked the Brigade Commander for presiding over the ceremony and for the confidence placed in them.
The newly decorated officers are Lieutenant Colonel WD Omoregie, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev. Fr.) M. Nwafor, Lieutenant Colonel UM Tomsu, Lieutenant Colonel MT Nwali, and Lieutenant Colonel SK Alkali.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
9th April, 2026
