Army Appoints New GOC of 2 Division in Oyo

Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has officially assumed duty as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division headquartered at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mahmuda took over command from Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who has been redeployed to lead the newly established 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The handing and taking-over ceremony took place on Monday at the 2 Division Headquarters in Ibadan, marking a new phase in the leadership of one of the Army’s key operational divisions.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mahmuda expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the division.

He described the appointment as a great honour and pledged to strengthen the operational capacity of the formation while sustaining the achievements already recorded.

“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment,” Mahmuda said.

He assured officers and soldiers under his command of his commitment to enhancing professionalism, operational efficiency, and the division’s ability to respond effectively to security challenges within its area of responsibility.

Mahmuda also praised his predecessor for the progress made during his tenure, promising to consolidate on the existing successes and further improve the division’s performance.

In his farewell remarks, the outgoing General Officer Commanding, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the confidence reposed in him throughout his assignment at the 2 Division.

He also expressed appreciation for his appointment as the pioneer commander of the newly created 10 Division in Taraba State, describing it as another opportunity to contribute to national security.

Nnebeife’s tenure at the 2 Division was highlighted by several security operations, including the widely publicised rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The intelligence-driven operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the safe rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity without the payment of ransom, according to the military.

The leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity in ongoing military operations while strengthening efforts to address security challenges across the division’s operational jurisdiction.