Army GOC tasks new Oyo, Osun formations on discipline, professional conduct

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has directed personnel of newly established formations in Oyo and Osun states to maintain discipline and uphold professional standards in the discharge of their duties.

Mahmuda gave the directive while inspecting the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo State and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during a visit aimed at assessing their readiness and ensuring a smooth commencement of operations.

The Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

According to Danjuma, the GOC urged the troops to remain disciplined, proactive and conscious of the responsibilities attached to their deployment.

Mahmuda warned the personnel against conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigerian Army, stressing the need to protect the institution’s image and reputation.

He also made it clear that acts of unprofessionalism would not be tolerated.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expects exemplary conduct always,” Mahmuda was quoted as saying.

The Army commander further emphasised the need for the troops to maintain positive civil-military relations with residents of their host communities.

He explained that the establishment of the new formations was part of the Nigerian Army’s response to emerging security challenges and was intended to strengthen its operational presence.

“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,” the spokesman quoted the GOC as saying.

Danjuma said Mahmuda was received in Ile-Ife by the Commanding Officer, 137 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Christopher Okwujiako.

The GOC’s visit provided an opportunity to inspect the new facilities and assess the preparedness of the formations as they begin operations in their respective areas of responsibility.

Community leaders in Ile-Ife also welcomed the establishment of the 137 Battalion.

The leaders, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing the battalion in the town.

The Army said the visit formed part of Mahmuda’s wider assessment of the newly established locations, with emphasis on ensuring that personnel settle in quickly and commence the effective discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.