Major General Auwalu mahmuda

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.