Major general Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed duty as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State, taking over from Chinedu Nnebeife, whose tenure was marked by one of the military’s most significant internal security operations this year, the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
The handover ceremony held on Monday at the 2 Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, followed Mr Nnebeife’s redeployment to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Gen.Mahmuda’s appointment comes at a period when the 2 Division continues to play a frontline role in counter-insurgency anti-kidnapping operations and internal security efforts across the South-west. 
Speaking after taking over command, Gen Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him. He described the appointment as a privilege and pledged to consolidate on the operational gains recorded by his predecessor.
“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment,” he said, assuring officers and soldiers under the division of his commitment to strengthening operational effectiveness and improving security across the division’s area of responsibility.
The new GOC also commended Mr Nnebeife for what he described as remarkable achievements during his tenure, promising to sustain the momentum.
Gen. Nnebeife leaves the Ibadan-based division after supervising one of the most remarkable rescue operations in recent years; the rescue of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped on 15 May when armed men invaded the schools, triggering weeks of intensive military operations involving multiple security agencies.
Although two teachers were killed while in captivity, the remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ den.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Nnebeife personally coordinated the intelligence-driven operation, working with other security agencies to track the kidnappers without paying ransom.
