The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has commended troops of 12 Brigade for their operational successes, particularly the rescue of 21 abducted persons in Kogi State.
Mahmuda gave the commendation during his maiden operational tour of formations and units under the division, which took him to 12 Brigade, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, from September 2 to 4, 2026.
The GOC, who was received by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, was briefed on the security situation and operational activities within the brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
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He praised the commander and troops for the recent rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six civilians who were abducted in Kogi State.
According to him, the troops’ sustained efforts had contributed significantly to keeping Kogi State and neighbouring areas safe and conducive to socio-economic activities, resulting in a sharp reduction in criminal activities.
Mahmuda stressed the strategic importance of Kogi State as a major corridor linking the eastern and southern parts of the country, urging the troops to sustain their operational tempo and ensure that the state remains peaceful.
The GOC also visited the headquarters of 21 Battalion in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monde.
Addressing the troops, Mahmuda commended their resilience and dedication to duty, noting that their operational exploits had helped restore sanity to Kogi East and brought honour to the nation.
He charged them to continue denying criminal elements freedom of action while maintaining high levels of discipline and professionalism.
The GOC described discipline as the bedrock of the Nigerian Army and urged the troops to uphold the core values of the service in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
He, however, warned the personnel against substance abuse, misuse of social media and other forms of indiscipline capable of undermining military operations and the image of the Nigerian Army.
Mahmuda further emphasised the need for sustained operational readiness and effective collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders to address security threats in the state and adjoining areas.