The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged personnel deployed to newly established formations in Oyo and Osun States to maintain discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Mahmuda gave the directive during an inspection visit to the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo State and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The visit was aimed at assessing the facilities and ensuring that the formations commence operations effectively.
The Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ibadan on Friday.
Mahmuda urged the troops to remain disciplined, proactive and professional, warning that acts capable of damaging the reputation of the Nigerian Army would not be tolerated.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expects exemplary conduct always,” the GOC was quoted as saying.
He also directed the personnel to maintain cordial relations with residents of their host communities, stressing that effective civil-military relations were essential to the success of their operations.
According to him, the establishment of the new formations was part of the Army’s response to emerging security challenges and efforts to strengthen its operational capacity.
Mahmuda further urged the troops to justify the welfare initiatives of the Army by remaining committed to their responsibilities.
“The Nigerian Army has been doing a lot to improve troops’ welfare, which demonstrates the COAS’s Soldiers First Concept.
“You must reciprocate the gesture by remaining committed to your duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action,” he said.
During the visit to Ile-Ife, the GOC was received by the Commanding Officer of 137 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Christopher Okwujiako.
Community leaders in the town, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, commended the Army for establishing the battalion in the community.
The visit was part of Mahmuda’s assessment of the new formations and his efforts to ensure that personnel settle in and begin carrying out their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
