Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has assumed office, while urging commanders, officers and troops to brace-up for more work.
Dada gave the charge on Wednesday in Enugu after taking over from the outgone GOC of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Chinade, who had been redeployed to Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of Faculty, Operational Research.
He assured the troops of improved welfare, adding that all personnel in the Division should be ready to redouble their efforts and ensure crime and criminality is kicked-out of the South-East and Cross River State very soon.
According to him, we must ensure that enduring peace and security returns to the South-East and Cross River State.
“I want you to extend the same cooperation you have given to the outgoing GOC to me even as we restrategise and redouble our efforts to achieve more.
“I will appreciate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, of the confidence reposed on me as the GOC as well as all commanders in the Division ensure we deliver on the Nigerian Army mandate.
“I do know that the task ahead might be herculean; but the COAS knows we have the capacity and expertise to deliver,” he said.
The new GOC also assured the residents of the South-East and Cross River State that the Nigerian Army working in synergy with sister security agencies would ensure that the people have the freedom to go about their businesses unhindered.
Earlier, the outgoing GOC, Maj.-Gen. Chinade thanked the officers and troops of the Division for their cooperation that led to operational successes in the Division.
“I want to thank you for successful and hitch-free general elections in the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“I want to appreciate the outgone COAS, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for appointing me GOC as well as the present COAS, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for my recent posting.
“I will want all officers and troops of the Division to give the new GOC the maximum cooperation for him to excel as well,” he said.
The highlights of the event were the signing of the handing and taking over note; decorating the new GOC with 82 Division insignia and inspection of quarter guard and interaction with the troops.
