Army GOC charges Ondo troops to sustain offensive against criminals

By Boye Oyeyemi

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, to sustain their offensive operations and deny criminal elements freedom of action in the state.

Mahmuda gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to Owena Cantonment, Akure, where he assessed the brigade’s activities and addressed officers and soldiers.

The GOC said he had been closely monitoring the security situation within the brigade’s area of responsibility, adding that the challenges confronting the formation were similar to those faced by other military formations.

“I have been following the security challenges within your area of responsibility and I am aware of the efforts you are making to address them. From the reports I have received so far, you are doing very well,” Mahmuda told the troops.

He urged the soldiers to maintain their aggressive posture and intensify efforts to tackle contemporary security threats while remaining professional and committed to protecting the nation.

Mahmuda also assured the troops that their welfare remained a priority under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, whose command philosophy is anchored on the “Soldiers First Concept.”

However, he urged the troops to reciprocate the government’s efforts to improve their welfare, including the recent salary increase, by remaining dedicated to their duties and upholding the professionalism expected of the Nigerian Army.

Earlier, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brig. Gen. Jibrin Garba, briefed the GOC on the brigade’s operational activities and troop deployments within its area of responsibility.