Army changes guard in Jos as Oyinlola exits, Dangana takes over

Outgoing GOC Hails Troops, Successor Vows to Build on Security Gains

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS — The Nigerian Army on Friday effected a change of leadership at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Jos, as Major General Folusho Oyinlola handed over as General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, to Major General Maxwell Dangana, who pledged to consolidate the security gains recorded in Plateau State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area.

Speaking during the handing-over parade at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Oyinlola said the achievements recorded during his tenure were the result of teamwork, professionalism and the unwavering commitment of officers and soldiers under his command.

He said the Division strengthened intelligence-driven operations, enhanced operational planning and sustained pressure on criminal elements, while improving collaboration with other security agencies.

According to him, the successes were made possible through the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and effective synergy with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“No single agency can effectively tackle today’s complex security challenges. Our collaboration significantly improved operational effectiveness and contributed to the successes recorded,” he said.

The outgoing GOC said the Division also deepened non-kinetic operations through sustained engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, as well as community leaders to strengthen trust and encourage information sharing.

He noted that medical outreaches, educational support, environmental sanitation exercises, sporting activities and other civil-military cooperation programmes further strengthened relations between the Nigerian Army and host communities.

Oyinlola said priority was also given to realistic training, leadership development, discipline, operational readiness, innovation and personnel welfare, stressing that motivated soldiers remain the Army’s greatest asset.

He commended journalists for their professionalism and responsible reportage, noting that constructive engagement with the media remained vital to strategic communication and national security.

The outgoing commander also thanked the governments and people of Plateau and other states within the Joint Operations Area, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.

Oyinlola, who has been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Combat Arms and Research, said he looked forward to contributing to preserving the Army’s history while advancing doctrine, research and strategic innovation.

He urged officers and soldiers to accord his successor the same loyalty, professionalism and support they gave him.

Taking over command, Major General Maxwell Dangana described the task ahead as enormous, saying he was stepping into “giant shoes.”

“The foundation has already been laid. My responsibility is to build on it and consolidate the achievements already recorded,” he said.

Recalling his previous posting to Jos, Dangana noted that the security situation had improved considerably.

The new GOC assured residents that the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven would remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.

He appealed to commanders, officers and soldiers to give him their maximum cooperation, promising an open-door leadership style while building on the operational successes achieved by his predecessor.

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