In minor realignment of command, the Nigerian Army has joggled the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of strategic commands of the force around the country.
Indeed a new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) 81 and 8 Divisions of the Nigerian Army assumed command in a terse ceremony at the weekend.
The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa has assumed command of the Division on Thursday July 25, 2024 in a handing taking over ceremony held at the Division Headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
While Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose assumed command on Friday July 26 , 2024 in a similar ceremony at the division’s Headquarters, Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto..
Speaking during his farewell address to the troops at the 65 Battalion Parade Ground, Bonny Military Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos, the former GOC, Major General Muhammed Usman, applauded the troops’ discipline and unflinching support during his tenure.
He urged the officers and soldiers to remain loyal to constituted authority.
General Usman, is posted to Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DATI), and appointed Director of Research and Development.
He charged the troops to redouble their efforts in ensuring the protection of lives and property of Nigerians in the Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He further expressed his profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for granting him the opportunity to serve as GOC and for supporting the Division’s efforts in ensuring that insecurity and other forms of criminality were brought under control within the Division’ AOR.
In his inaugural address to the officers of the Division, the new GOC, 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa applauded the out gone GOC for his sterling leadership and commitment during his tour of duty as the GOC of the Division.
General Mijinyawa wished the former GOC good luck in his new appointment while charging officers and soliders to remain loyal to constituted authority and ensure adequate protection of lives and property in the Division’s AOR. He thanked the COAS for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his total commitment to the discharge of the responsibility. He further promised to build on what his predecessor has done in ensuring protection of lives and property in Lagos and Ogun states. General Mijinyawa emphasized maintaining synergy with other Services and security agencies in line with the COAS Command Philosophy towards enhancing national security.
Also in his farewell address at 26 Battalion Parade Ground Giginya Barracks, Major General Mutkut eulogised the officers and soldiers of the Division for their unalloyed cooperation and support during his tenure, charging them to remain committed and disciplined. The former GOC said the Division’s Area of Responsibilities (AOR) are not strange to his successor as one time Brigade Commander. He therefore expressed confidence in his capability to take the Division to a greater height.
Earlier in his remarks, the new GOC and Commander JTF NW OPHD, Brigadier General Ajose commended his predecessor for successful track record, while seeking his continuous guidance. He expressed his willingness to work with all officers and soldiers towards lasting peace and stability within the Division’s AOR.
Brigadier General Ajose further wished his predecessor successful tour of duty in his new office. Until his appointment as the acting GOC and Commander JTF NW OPHD, he was the Director of Administration at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
Highlight of the event were signing of the Handing and Taking over notes, Handing over of Command Flag and Quarter guard parade.
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