Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda appointed 56th GOC 2 Division in Ibadan
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Nigerian Army has appointed Major General Auwalu Mahmuda as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, Ibadan, following a major leadership change at the division’s headquarters in Oyo State.
Mahmuda assumed office on Monday as the 56th GOC during a handing and taking over ceremony held at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. He succeeded Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, who has been redeployed to command the newly established 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Taraba State.
In his maiden address, Major General Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him. He described his appointment as a privilege and pledged to justify the trust placed in him through dedicated service.
The new GOC promised to build on the operational achievements recorded by his predecessor, assuring officers and soldiers that the division would remain committed to professionalism, operational effectiveness and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
Mahmuda also commended Major General Nnebeife for his leadership and the milestones achieved during his tenure. He assured personnel that the momentum already established by the division would be sustained while efforts to improve security operations would continue.
In his farewell remarks, Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to the military high command for the opportunity to command one of the Nigerian Army’s foremost divisions. He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the current Chief of Army Staff for their confidence in his leadership.
The outgoing commander said the division recorded significant operational successes during his tenure, including several coordinated military operations that culminated in the successful rescue operation of July 10, 2026.
He attributed the achievements to the professionalism, commitment and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, as well as the cooperation of commanders and staff officers. As he prepares to assume command of the newly created 10 Division in Jalingo, Nnebeife urged personnel of the 2 Division to extend the same loyalty, cooperation and support to Major General Mahmuda. He expressed confidence that the division would continue to record greater operational successes under its new leadership.
