Major General Auwalu Mahmuda on Monday assumed command as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division Headquarters, Ibadan, pledging to consolidate recent operational gains strengthen security across the Division’s area of responsibility.
The change of guard took place during a handing and taking over ceremony at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, where Major General Mahmuda succeeded Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, who has been redeployed to head the newly created 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.
In his maiden address, the new GOC expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as a rare privilege and a call to greater service.
He promised to build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor, saying the 2 Division would remain focused on professionalism, operational effectiveness and the protection of lives and property.
Major General Mahmuda commended Major General Nnebeife for his leadership and the milestones recorded during his tenure, assuring officers and soldiers that the momentum already established would be sustained.
In his farewell remarks, Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to the military high command for the opportunity to command one of the Nigerian Army’s foremost divisions. He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who appointed him as GOC while serving as Chief of Army Staff, as well as the current Chief of Army Staff for his continued confidence in him.
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The outgoing commander noted that since assuming office on August 19, 2025, the Division had recorded notable operational successes, including several coordinated missions that culminated in the successful rescue operation of July 10, 2026.
He attributed the achievements to the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, as well as the cooperation of commanders and staff officers across the Division.
As he prepares to take charge of the newly established 10 Division, Major General Nnebeife urged personnel of the 2 Division to give his successor the same loyalty, support and cooperation they extended to him, expressing confidence that the formation would continue to achieve greater operational successes under its new leadership.
