BY Danjuma Jonah Danjuma,Ibadan

Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed command as the 56th General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.

The handing and taking over ceremony took place at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, the new GOC thanked the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the appointment.

He pledged to take the division to greater heights, describing the opportunity to command one of the premier divisions of the Nigerian Army as a rare privilege.

Major General Mahmuda commended his predecessor, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, for his achievements during his tenure. He assured that he would build on the legacies and sustain the operational successes recorded in the division.

In his remarks, the outgone GOC, Major General Nnebeife, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, who appointed him as GOC 2 Division while serving as COAS.

He also thanked the current COAS for finding him worthy of a new appointment as GOC 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.

He noted that since assuming command on 19 August 2025, the division recorded significant operational achievements, including the successful rescue operation of 10 July 2026.

Major General Nnebeife attributed the successes to the commitment of officers and soldiers as well as the prayers of the division. He promised to remain a worthy ambassador of the “Tiger Family” and urged troops to extend the same cooperation to the new GOC.

The ceremony was attended by commanders, staff officers and other senior military personnel.