By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The 3 Division Nigerian Army, Rukuba Cantonment in Bassa LGA, near Jos, has welcomed a new General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj-Gen Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola who also doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
Oyinlola assumed office on Thursday, after a handing and taking over ceremony held at the Division’s Headquarters.
Gen. Oyinlola took over from his predecessor Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar who was posted to the Nigerian Defence College Abuja as the Deputy Commandant.
In his speech, he said he will sustain the gains achieved by his predecessor, and ensure that Plateau State and other areas of Operation under his command must be free from the cycle of violence.
The GOC commended his predecessor for his successful track record while seeking his continuous guidance.
He expressed his willingness to work with all officers and soldiers towards lasting peace and stability within the division’s area of operation.
Oyinlola further wished his predecessor a successful tour of duty in his new office.
However, the outgoing GOC and former Commander Operation Safe Haven, Gen. Abubakar, eulogised troops, officers and soldiers of the Division for their unalloyed cooperation and support during his tenure, charging them to remain committed and disciplined.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities and ability of his successor to take the division to a greater height.
Also, while handing over at the Operation Safe Haven Headquarters in Jos, Gen Abubakar also charged officers and men to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties.
He lauded troops for a successful crisis-free yuletide season celebrated during his tenure, saying that the gains wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless effort of the officers and men.
Abubakar charged officers to extend the same effort to the new Commander.
Speaking also at the OPSH headquarters during the handover ceremony, Gen. Oyinlola assured that total peace must be achieved in Plateau and other joint areas of operation.
He said that life is not meant to be chaos, therefore troops must double their efforts to eradicate criminality in the State.
“The cycle of violence in the Commands Joint Operational Area must be broken”, he said.
He therefore acknowledged the fact that there has not been any violence reported on the Plateau in recent times.
