IBADAN — Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed command as the 56th General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.
The handing and taking over ceremony took place on Sunday, August 3, 2026, at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State, according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
In the statement made available to journalists, Maj-Gen Mahmuda expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the appointment.
He pledged commitment to take the Division to greater heights, describing the opportunity to command one of the premier formations in the Nigerian Army as rare.
The new GOC eulogised his predecessor, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, for his “incredible achievements” during his tenure. He assured that he would build on the legacies and “keep the flag flying.”
Earlier, Maj-Gen Nnebeife thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, who appointed him as GOC when he was COAS, and also appreciated the COAS for the opportunity to lead the Division and his subsequent posting to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.
He said the Division recorded significant operational successes under his watch since assuming command on August 19, 2025, including the recent rescue operation of July 10, 2026.
Nnebeife attributed the successes to the efforts of officers and soldiers, as well as the prayers of the Division. He promised to remain a “worthy ambassador of the Tiger Family” and urged troops to extend the same cooperation to the new GOC.