Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola has officially assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH). He succeeded Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the National Defence College, Abuja.
The handing-over ceremony, held on Thursday, began at the 3 Division Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, and concluded at the OPSH Headquarters in Jos. In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“I am honored to take on this role and pledge to sustain my predecessor’s achievements while striving for lasting peace in Plateau and surrounding areas under our jurisdiction,” Oyinlola stated.
He emphasized his commitment to fostering collaboration and eradicating criminality to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities. Oyinlola further noted, “The cycle of violence in Plateau must end. Life is not meant to be chaotic, and we must double our efforts to restore order and stability.”
The outgoing GOC, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the troops for their dedication during his tenure, particularly in maintaining a crisis-free yuletide season. He described the security challenges in Plateau as unique, requiring both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. “Mediating between communities, especially herders and farmers, has been central to our operations. I am confident Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola has the expertise to tackle these challenges,” Abubakar stated.
Abubakar also expressed gratitude to the COAS, the government, and the people of Plateau for their cooperation, urging continued support for his successor.
In his address at the OPSH Headquarters, Oyinlola reaffirmed his determination to restore peace, highlighting discipline and troop welfare as priorities. “Indiscipline will be sanctioned, and discipline will be rewarded. Together, we can achieve lasting peace in Plateau State,” he affirmed.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for the 3 Division and OPSH, with hopes for strengthened efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
