Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army to consolidate peace, strengthen security, and create an enabling environment for economic growth, investment, and sustainable development across Plateau State.
A statement signed by Gyang Bere, PhD Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State said the Governor gave the assurance while receiving the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola, alongside the incoming GOC, Major General Wunukhe Maxwell Dangana, during a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang warmly welcomed Major General Dangana to Plateau State and expressed confidence in his capacity to build on the gains already recorded in the state’s security architecture. He also paid glowing tribute to the outgoing GOC, Major General Oyinlola, for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service during his 18-month tour of duty.
The Governor described Major General Oyinlola as a courageous, professional, and committed military officer whose leadership played a significant role in confronting security threats and strengthening peace-building efforts across Plateau State.
He noted that through sustained collaboration between the Plateau State Government, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies, the state has witnessed remarkable improvements in security, renewed investor confidence, increased socio-economic activities, and a steady influx of visitors despite isolated security incidents.
“The outgoing Commander’s leadership was instrumental in confronting security threats across the state. Working together, we recorded significant successes through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Were it not for his commitment and leadership, the enemies of Plateau would have inflicted far greater pain on our people.
“We remain grateful for his sacrifices and dedication. Wherever you are posted, we urge you to remain an ambassador of Plateau State because your understanding of our security dynamics will continue to be invaluable. We will continue to support the Nigerian Army in every possible way to ensure success in its constitutional responsibility of protecting our nation and our people,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The Governor further expressed confidence that Major General Dangana would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, deepen military-community relations, and strengthen coordinated security operations aimed at protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing GOC and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for the unwavering support his administration provided throughout his tenure.
“Anytime I called on His Excellency, he was always available to support us—logistically, operationally, morally, and even spiritually. We know the Plateau we met 18 months ago and the Plateau we are leaving today. Although there were challenges, there were far more successes than setbacks, and that was possible because of the Governor’s consistent support,” he said.
Major General Oyinlola disclosed that although his command covered five states within the Joint Operations Area, Plateau State required the greatest attention because of its unique security challenges. He credited the remarkable progress recorded over the past 18 months to the strong partnership between the military, the Plateau State Government, and other critical stakeholders.
Introducing his successor, Major General Oyinlola described General Wunukhe Maxwell Dangana as a seasoned, highly experienced, and accomplished military officer with the competence and leadership qualities required to sustain ongoing security operations.
He appealed to Governor Mutfwang, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the people of Plateau State to extend the same cooperation and goodwill accorded him to the new GOC, expressing confidence that he would consolidate on existing gains and record even greater successes.
Responding, the new General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, General Wunukhe Maxwell Dangana, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang and the Government and people of Plateau State for the warm reception.
He pledged to sustain the excellent collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Plateau State Government, assuring residents of his unwavering commitment to consolidating the gains already achieved in restoring lasting peace and security across the state.
“I am committed to building on the achievements of my predecessor. Together with other security agencies and the support of the Plateau State Government, we will continue to strengthen ongoing operations to ensure Plateau remains peaceful, secure, and conducive for development,” Major General Dangana assured.
The courtesy visit was attended by senior government officials, top military officers, and members of the Plateau State Executive Council, underscoring the enduring partnership between the Plateau State Government and the Nigerian Army in safeguarding lives and property.
