Headquarters 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, witnessed a formal Handing and Taking Over Ceremony as the outgoing Commander, Brig Gen M Jimoh formally relinquished command to Col J Umaru who assumed office as the Acting Commander 1 Brigade.
A statement signed by Yusuf Mohammed Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau said the event marked a significant milestone in the Brigade’s leadership succession, reflecting the Nigerian Army’s enduring tradition of orderly command transition and institutional continuity.
Addressing officers, soldiers, and civilian staff during the ceremony, Brig Gen M Jimoh expressed profound appreciation for their unwavering loyalty, professionalism, and support throughout his tenure. He commended the troops for their resilience, courage and sacrifices in sustaining operational successes across the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, noting that their dedication remained instrumental to the achievements recorded under his command.
Reflecting on his stewardship, the outgoing Commander highlighted notable accomplishments in operational effectiveness, troops’ welfare, infrastructure development and civil-military cooperation. He urged all personnel to remain disciplined, mission-oriented and steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities while extending the same level of commitment and support to the incoming Acting Commander.
Assuming command, Col J Umaru expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to lead the Brigade. He pledged to consolidate on the remarkable achievements of his predecessor by sustaining the Brigade’s operational tempo, enhancing personnel welfare and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and combat readiness.
The Acting Commander further called on officers, soldiers and civilian staff to remain united, loyal and committed to the Commander’s intent, stressing that teamwork, mutual trust and dedication to duty would continue to serve as the cornerstone for achieving the Brigade’s operational objectives and fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal signing and exchange of Handing and Taking Over Notes, Handover of Comd Flag, Address of soldiers by the outgoing commander and inspection Quarter Guard symbolising the seamless transfer of authority and responsibility. The event was witnessed by senior officers, commanding officers, principal staff officers, officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of Headquarters 1 Brigade, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
