By Augustine Ehikioya
The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called on commanders and troops to sustain the Division’s operational momentum, emphasising that the change in leadership should not diminish their commitment to duty or disrupt the prevailing operational tempo.
He gave the charge on Friday, 17 July 2026, during the handing and taking over ceremony at the Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, where he formally handed over command to Major General Maxwell Dangana, the 45th General Officer Commanding 3 Division and 19th Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of Major General Oyinlola’s distinguished tenure, which began on 23 January, 2025 and ushered in a new chapter of leadership for the Division.
In his valedictory address, Major General Oyinlola described his tour of duty as both demanding and rewarding, noting that the complex security environment required courage, innovation, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration.
He attributed the successes recorded during his tenure to the unwavering dedication of officers and soldiers which enabled the Division to strengthen intelligence-led operations, enhance operational planning, and sustain pressure against criminal elements across its Area of Responsibility.
The outgoing GOC, in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), acknowledged that while security operations remain an ongoing responsibility, the resilience, professionalism and sacrifices of personnel had been instrumental in improving the security situation.
He also highlighted the strengthened synergy between the Division and sister services, including the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy as well as the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies and stakeholders within the Joint Operations Area.
According to him, the enhanced inter-agency cooperation significantly improved operational effectiveness and reinforced the importance of a unified approach in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Beyond kinetic operations, Major General Oyinlola noted that the Division expanded its non-kinetic engagements through medical outreaches, environmental sanitation exercises, educational support programmes, sporting activities, and other civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering stronger relationships between the Nigerian Army and host communities.
He commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, professionalism, dedication and sacrifices, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo and extend the same level of commitment and support to the incoming GOC.
He also expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve and contribute to peace and stability within the Division’s Area of Responsibility in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
Expressing confidence in his successor, Major General Oyinlola described Major General Dangana as a seasoned and experienced officer with an in-depth understanding of the operational environment, having previously held key command appointments within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
He expressed optimism that the Division would continue to build on the achievements recorded under its new leadership.
Major General Maxwell Dangana, in his maiden address as the incoming General Officer Commanding, congratulated the outgoing GOC on his successful and impactful tour of duty.
He commended the remarkable progress recorded in stabilizing the security situation and fostering sustainable peace across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
He assured personnel that his leadership would remain professional, impartial, and apolitical in the discharge of the Division’s operational responsibilities.
The incoming GOC acknowledged that his predecessor had established a solid foundation for lasting peace and pledged to consolidate on the gains already achieved.
He further observed that the prevailing peace and improved security had significantly enhanced the socio-economic atmosphere in Plateau State.
Major General Dangana appealed to officers and soldiers of the Division to accord him the necessary cooperation and support to sustain the momentum of ongoing successes.
He also assured personnel of his open-door leadership style, encouraging them to freely engage with him on matters that would enhance the operational effectiveness and overall progress of the Division.
Highlights of the event included the signing of handing over notes, symbolic transfer of the divisional flag signifying the handing over of command, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
