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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has commended troops of 12 Brigade for their operational successes in Kogi State, particularly the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six civilians abducted in the state.
Mahmuda gave the commendation during his maiden operational tour of formations and units under the command, which took him to the 12 Brigade Area of Responsibility from September 2 to 4, 2026.
He was received at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, who briefed him on the brigade’s operational activities and achievements.
The GOC praised the commander and troops for what he described as tremendous operational successes, noting that their sustained efforts had contributed significantly to keeping Kogi State and adjoining areas safe and conducive for socio-economic activities.
According to him, the reduction in criminal activities in the area was an indication of the impact of the troops’ sustained operations.
Mahmuda also stressed the strategic importance of Kogi State as a major corridor linking the northern part of the country with the eastern and southern regions. He urged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and ensure that the state remained peaceful.
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As part of the tour, the GOC visited the headquarters of 21 Battalion in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monde.
Addressing troops at the battalion, Mahmuda commended their resilience, dedication and commitment to duty, saying their operational exploits had contributed to restoring sanity in Kogi East and bringing glory to the nation.
He charged the troops to deny criminal elements freedom of action and maintain a high level of operational readiness.
The GOC further stressed that discipline remained the bedrock of the Nigerian Army, urging personnel to uphold the core values of the service in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
He warned the troops against substance abuse, misuse of social media and other acts capable of undermining their professionalism.
Mahmuda also called for sustained collaboration among the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and critical stakeholders to strengthen security operations across the state.
The visit formed part of his maiden operational tour aimed at assessing formations and units under the 2 Division and boosting troops’ readiness to confront emerging security threats.
