JUST IN; Major General assumes duty as 39th GOC of 82 Division
JUST IN; Major General assumes duty as 39th GOC of 82 Division
Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye has taken over as the 39th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and Force Commander, Joint Task Force South-East code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’.
Olatoye took over from the outgone GOC of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who has been deployed to Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Taking over on Monday in the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu, the new GOC charged officers and troops to brace-up, redouble all efforts and surpass all known operational successes.
Olatoye said that his job in the Division was to take the standard higher.
He called on all principal officers and commanders within component formations in the Division to ensure hard work, commitment and dedication of officers and soldiers under them.
“I appreciate the outgoing GOC for his strides in curbing crime and criminality within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR), which is the South-East and Cross River State.
“I noticed that the Division have effectively stopped the Monday Sit-at-Home in the South-East; as I clearly witnessed various businesses and human activities ongoing while I entered Enugu today.
“I laud the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for my deployment here and various support given to the Division leading to its current operational successes,” he said.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Dada appreciated God, officers and soldiers of the Division for bringing solution to the security challenges as well as chaotic and problematic environment he met on ground as he took over about two years ago.
Dada noted that he led and supervised various special operations to check terrorists and criminal elements in communities, forests and major hide-out of notorious armed groups and criminal elements in the region.
“Division’s AoR witnessed several special operations and the people within the past two years witnessed peaceful yuletide celebrations and mass return especially the 2024 Christmas unprecedented mass return.
“I thank God that the Division witnessed few number of soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice as they serve their fatherland and few personnel being hospitalised due to operational injuries.
“During my stay, I carried out lot of welfare projects, which included: building accommodations for both officers and soldiers; construction and reconstruction of schools; building training and recreational facilities and building health facilities within the barracks among others.
“I thank the COAS and Nigerian Army Headquarters for the support given to the Division and Operation UDO KA to achieve resounding successes these years,” he said.
Dada called on officers and soldiers to continue in their stride and commitment to rid the South-East of all criminal elements, adding: “I charge you to give full cooperation to the new GOC and Force Commander to excel as well.”
High points of the event were signing of the handing over and taking over notes by the outgone GOC, Dada, and new GOC, Olatoye, as well as handing over of the Division’s flag to Olatoye among others. (NAN)
The troops’ overwhelming weaponry overpowered the terrorists during the attack, which targeted a well-known Boko Haram stronghold in the Iza woodland.
Ten terrorists were killed during the operation, while the others were left in ruins. Two AK-47 weapons and two loaded magazines were found in the aftermath.
In addition, a significant terror collaborator—known for extorting ransom on behalf of various terrorist and bandit groups—was captured.
Elsewhere, in a separate operation in Tunfa village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops carried out a successful ambush based on credible intelligence. They neutralized a bandit and apprehended a high-value suspect tied to the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.
The captured suspect provided vital information that led to a raid on Tunga village, a bandit hideout dealing in stolen cattle. Several bandits were arrested, and all bandit infrastructure in the area was dismantled.
Furthermore, troops in Sokoto State acted on human intelligence to arrest a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their exceptional efforts and operational precision.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activity across the nation. He also urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to bolster the military’s ongoing efforts.
Military
208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination
208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination
The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2025 Lt. to Capt. practical promotion examination, with 208 candidates participating in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long examination is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Addressing the candidates, the President of the Examination Board, Commander, TRADOC , Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe,. charged them to focus fully on the important task ahead.
He said, “The examination aims to evaluate the officers’ proficiency in various aspects of the military profession, including command ability, tactical employment, and physical fitness.”
Aligbe also emphasised the importance of the examination, stating that it was a critical milestone in the officers’ careers.
He urged the candidates to remain focused, intuitive, and confident in their abilities, assuring them that the examination board was committed to transparency and fairness.
Aligbe disclosed that subjects to cover during the examination include tactics and low intensity conflicts, map reading, communication and skills at arms proficiency test.
Others are driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French language and physical fitness test.
Aligbe said: “Candidates are required to score a minimum of 50 per cent in all the subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 60 per cent overall score to pass the examination.
“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination.
“I urge you all, particularly the candidates on their second attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to earn a pass.
“Be confident in yourselves and do not be discouraged.
“Just be focused and I assure you that if you give your best, you will pass the examination.”
According to the commander, to ensure the integrity of the examination, the Nigerian Army has put in place strict security measures, including video coverage and invigilation by experienced officers.
“The top-performing officers will be rewarded with Certificates of Excellence and Letters of Commendation, as well as cash gifts.
“We shall, in the conduct of this examination, be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the NA Charter r Promotion Examinations (Revised) September 2022, “he said.
Aligbe added that there was no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure, adding, “this is if you have prepared well for this examination.
“In fact, our desire is to see all of you pass this examination.
“On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking assessment of your performances and accurate recording of your marks.
“We shall be firm, but fair to all of you and will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding ,(GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, urged the candidates to put in their best in passing the examination with all sense of integrity.
Saraso appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the division to host the promotion.
He urged the candidates to take the examination seriously as it was a critical milestone to their progression career in the army.(NAN)
Military
BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane
BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane
During airborne training in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu made history on Wednesday by becoming the second person in the Nigerian Army to ever execute such a daring jump from a moving plane.
He accomplished this feat by making a spectacular leap from a moving aircraft and landing with the help of a parachute.
“The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.
”As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.
“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.
“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle, the Nigerian Army told journalists.