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By Philip Nwosu
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged officers and men of the division not to compromise standards, warning that anyone who does will have him to contend with.
The GOC, who assumed office on Tuesday, pledged to sustain high professional standards and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
Speaking at a brief handover ceremony, Gen. Babalola said: “For those that have worked with me, you should know that I don’t compromise standards. Once we don’t compromise standards and we are professional, you will not have any problem with me. A popular saying by one of our former Chief of Army Staff is that we are all from here, we are all Nigerians and Nigerians expect so much from the military.
“And all of us, if we key in to the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, we are going to achieve great success and the mantra ends with what? That mission success.”
He said there is no excuse for the military to fail Nigerians, adding: “We are the backbone of Nigeria and all Nigerians expect so much from us. So every day we must continue to redouble our effort to make Nigeria safe and to enable democratic process and economic development of this country to thrive.”
Earlier, the new GOC expressed gratitude to God and paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, whom he described as a highly respected, disciplined and professional officer.
He recalled that both officers shared a long professional history dating back to 1992 when they were cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy, noting that he had worked under Gen. Mijinyawa at Army Headquarters and benefited immensely from his leadership.
“It is a big shoe I am entering, but I will continue to consult with you from time to time,” Gen. Babalola said, assuring that the foundation laid by his predecessor had placed him on a “very sound footing” to succeed.
Gen. Babalola reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security, democratic governance and economic development, stressing that officers must continually redouble their efforts to make Nigeria safe.
Speaking earlier, the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, said the division recorded significant operational, training and administrative successes during his 18-month tenure, attributing the achievements to professionalism, discipline and inter-agency cooperation.
He described himself as fortunate to have worked with “some of the finest officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army,” stressing that their collective efforts enabled the division to efficiently carry out its mandate under the division’s motto of “Strength and Resilience.”
According to him, the operational readiness of the division remained at an optimal level throughout the period, contributing significantly to the successes recorded in both internal security operations and joint assignments.
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“In the area of training, the division successfully conducted all training activities outlined in the Nigerian Army focus of events,” he said, adding that the formation also hosted four major Army-level training exercises in 2025, including the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.
He noted that hosting the conference was a strong vote of confidence in the division by Army Headquarters.
On operations, the outgoing GOC said the division effectively secured the south-western flank of the country, its primary area of responsibility, while working closely with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in Lagos and Ogun states.
He disclosed that the division recorded notable successes in reducing criminal activities through joint operations and collaboration with sister security agencies, adding that it also conducted a joint international operation, which he said was still ongoing.
Administratively, he said discipline within the division remained “very satisfactory,” with cases of illegal duties by soldiers drastically reduced across the area of responsibility.
In the area of logistics, he said the division witnessed major infrastructural development through the intervention of Army Headquarters, including the construction and renovation of accommodation for officers and soldiers, as well as improved lift capability to enhance operational effectiveness.
The outgoing GOC expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the confidence reposed in him, as well as for the guidance and support that enabled the division to effectively implement the Army’s command philosophy.
He also thanked principal staff officers at Army Headquarters, the Commander Infantry Corps, divisional staff officers, commanders, directors and commanding officers for their dedication and responsiveness.
He extended appreciation to officers and soldiers of the division and their families, other security agencies, stakeholders and the media for their support throughout his tenure.
Welcoming his successor, Major General A.E. Babalola, the outgoing GOC described him as a seasoned officer and longtime colleague, expressing confidence that he would surpass existing achievements.
“I urge all officers and soldiers to accord him even greater support and redouble their efforts,” he said, assuring that his doors would remain open for consultations and advice.
He concluded by thanking personnel for their commitment and dedication, which he said enabled the division to excel during his time in office.
