The newly-appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has taken over the command from the erstwhile commander, Maj.-Gen. Shuaib Waidi.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Abubakar who was hitherto Commander Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and Multinational Joint Task Force, Monguno, assumed duty on Friday at the Division’s Headquarters in Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri.
NAN reports that Waidi is proceeding to the Defence Space Agency in Abuja, having served for a period of 14 months as the 11th GOC, 7 Division, and Commander, Sector 1 of the Army OPHK.
NAN reports that the week-long handing and taking over process commenced with a series of activities in line with military traditions to ensure smooth transition from one command to another.
It will begin with a tour of formations and units under the command, which includes 21 Special Armored Brigade, Bama, 24, 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades in Dikwa, Gwoza and Chibok respectively, with an aim to acquaint the incoming GOC with the operational situation of formations under command.
During the tour to these formations, the outgoing and incoming GOCs were received and briefed by the various Brigade Commanders on the general operational activities and situation within their respective Areas of Responsibilities (AOR).
The duo also visited the traditional rulers in some of the troops locations, where encomia were poured on the Nigerian Army for restoring relative peace in their various communities.
Shaibu, while addressing officers and men of 7 Division at 212 Battalion parade ground during his farewell speech, expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Chief Of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for finding him worthy to have served as the 11th GOC.
He also appreciated the Theatre Commander for his constant guidance and his field commanders, officers and soldiers for their selfless service, commitment, steadfastness towards the fight against insurgency.
He noted their unalloyed loyalty and support to him which informed the remarkable successes recorded during his tenure.
He thereafter urged troops of the command to extend similar cooperation, support and loyalty to the incoming GOC.
Responding, Abubakar expressed happiness and gratitude to the Army authority, especially the Chief of Army Staff, for finding him worthy of the appointment as the 12th GOC, 7 Division.
He also promised to build on the legacies of his predecessor and take the division to a greater height.
NAN reports that the traditional handing and taking over ceremony was concluded by decoration of the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, handing over of the instruments of command.
Other activities included signing of the handing and taking over notes, lowering of old command flags which signifies the end of an era and hoisting of new command flags which also signifies the commencement of another era before his departure.
NAN report that the occasion was witnessed by the spouses of the outgoing and the incoming General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Chief of Staff 7 Division, Formations and Units Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 7 Division and Formations under command amongst others. (NAN)
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