General Emekah assumes command as GOC of 6 Division

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has officially assumed command as the 11th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), following military formalities at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks on Friday, 24 January 2025.

In addition to his new role as GOC, Major General Emekah will serve as the Land Component Commander (LCC) for the Joint Task Force (South South) Operation DELTA SAFE, reinforcing his leadership in securing Nigeria’s strategic oil-producing region.

In his maiden address, Major General Emekah expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his appointment.

He conveyed optimism about the Division’s ability to exceed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s target of 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in crude oil production, a goal he deemed crucial given the Division’s strategic importance to both the nation and the Presidency.

He set an ambitious new target for the troops, aiming for 2.5 million bpd, emphasizing that the effort would require dedication and commitment. “We are not looking at 2.3 million bpd, but we are targeting 2.5 million bpd so that even if we miss it, we will drop to 2.4 million bpd,” he said.

Major General Emekah promised to lead by example, ensuring that he would not remain confined to his office but would work closely with his formations, units, and other security agencies to drive the Division’s success, in alignment with the COAS’s command philosophy.

The new GOC also expressed deep respect for his predecessor, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, whom he described as a mentor.

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Reflecting on their long-standing relationship dating back to their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Emekah promised to continue his predecessor’s legacy while striving to exceed his achievements. He assured the outgone GOC that he would maintain the Division’s standards and further build on the strong foundation established.

Acknowledging the critical role of personnel welfare, Major General Emekah assured that under his leadership, the welfare of the troops and their families would remain a top priority. He also congratulated Major General Abdussalam on his new role at Army Headquarters and prayed for his continued success.

In his farewell address, Major General Abdussalam commended the troops for their dedication during his tenure and urged them to intensify efforts in eliminating criminal elements in the region.

He emphasized that 6 Division is the custodian of Nigeria’s vital infrastructure—its crude oil—and the troops must remain vigilant in protecting it. He encouraged the soldiers to always represent the Nigerian Army (NA) as ambassadors of hope, upholding the reputation of the Division.

Major General Abdussalam also highlighted the various welfare initiatives under the COAS, including accommodations, military kits, combat enablers, and health care. He thanked the troops for their unwavering support, which contributed to the significant increase in oil production during his command—from 1.2 million bpd to nearly 2 million bpd. He encouraged them to offer the same level of support to Major General Emekah to continue achieving even greater success.

Major General Emekah, a member of the 42 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, has held several key positions in the Nigerian Army, including Commander of the 707 Special Forces Brigade and 17 Brigade, Katsina. Prior to his appointment as the GOC, he was the Deputy Chief of Operations at the Army Headquarters.

He holds a Master’s Degree in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the handing-over notes, the decoration of Major General Emekah with the Division’s insignia, the formal transfer of the Division’s flag, an inspection of the Quarter Guards, and group photographs, marking the official transition of leadership at 6 Division, Nigerian Army.