In an effort to ensure the seamless take-off of the newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun States, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, visited their locations in Oyo and Osun States on 1 October 2026.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma Acting Deputy Director ,2 Division Army Public Relations said the GOC was received on arrival at Ile-Ife by the Commanding Officer (CO), 137 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Okwujiako.
While addressing troops at the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the GOC charged them to be disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. He further enjoined them to be mindful of their conduct and protect the image and reputation of the NA. He, however, warned that he would not tolerate any act of unprofessionalism, adding that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expects them to be of exemplary conduct. He said they must maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities.
Highlighting the significance of the new formations and units, the GOC pointed out that the intent of the COAS is to have more boots on the ground to effectively address contemporary security challenges. He said the NA has been doing a lot to improve troops’ welfare, adding that the efforts demonstrate the COAS’s Soldiers First concept. He urged them to reciprocate the gesture by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The visit was part of the GOC’s broader effort to assess the locations and ensure that the troops settle in and immediately commence the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities across the two states.
During the visit, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, thanked the NA for the establishment of 137 Battalion in the town. They expressed their appreciation to the COAS and the GOC for the establishment of the new unit.
