The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops serving in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain professional, proactive and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.
Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection visit to the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The visit was aimed at assessing the locations of the new formations, ensuring their smooth take-off and enabling the troops to commence their constitutional responsibilities without delay.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, 2026, and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, the Army said the GOC was received on arrival in Ile-Ife by the Commanding Officer, 137 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Okwujiako.
Addressing troops at the two locations, Mahmuda urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism, warning against conduct capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
He reminded the troops that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expects them to demonstrate exemplary conduct in the performance of their duties.
The GOC also stressed the importance of maintaining effective civil-military relations with host communities, urging the troops to work closely with residents while carrying out their security responsibilities.
Mahmuda said the establishment of the new formations was part of the COAS’s effort to increase the number of troops on the ground and strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.
He noted that the Nigerian Army had continued to prioritise troops’ welfare under the COAS’s Soldiers First concept, urging personnel to reciprocate the gesture through commitment, loyalty and dedication to duty.
The GOC further charged the troops to deny criminal elements freedom of action and remain proactive in preventing threats to peace and security within their areas of responsibility.
During the visit to Ile-Ife, community leaders led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town.
The community leaders also commended the COAS and the GOC for the establishment of the new unit, expressing support for its presence in the community.
The visit formed part of the GOC’s broader efforts to ensure the effective take-off of the newly established formations and units and their immediate deployment in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities across Oyo and Osun states.
