Major-General Auwalu Mahmuda, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, in Kogi State, to sustain the operational successes recorded in the state and its environs.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director, 2 Division, Army Public Relations, in a statement issued on Saturday, quoted the GOC as giving the charge during his maiden operational tour to formations and units under the division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) on Friday.
Mr Mahmuda commended the 12 Brigade Commander and his troops for the tremendous operational successes recorded, particularly the recent rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps members and six civilians abducted in Kogi State.
The GOC further thanked them for their efforts in keeping Kogi and adjoining states safe and calm for socio-economic activities to thrive.
He said the troops’ dedication to duty was responsible for the sharp decrease in criminal activities in their AOR.
The GOC also emphasised the strategic importance of Kogi State as a corridor to the eastern and southern parts of the country, urging them to sustain the operational tempo by ensuring the state remains peaceful and calm.
Earlier, the Commander, 12 Brigade, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Brigadier-General Kasim Sidi, who received the GOC, briefed him on the operational activities within the brigade’s AOR.
Relatedly, the GOC also visited 21 Battalion Headquarters, Ayingba, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Godiya Monde.
Mr Mahmuda commended the officers and men and urged them to maintain the core values of the Nigerian Army, in line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu’s command philosophy.
He warned the troops to desist from substance abuse, misuse of social media and other related conduct.
The GOC also urged the troops to ensure effective collaboration with other security agencies and other critical stakeholders.
(NAN)
