New GOC 3Div, OPSH boss promises to sustain onslaught on banditry, kidnapping, others

The 3 Division Nigerian Army Rukuba Barracks near Jos and the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has gotten a new General Officer Commanding (GOC) who doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has said he will sustain the onslaught on banditry, kidnapping and illicit drug consumption among youths.

The new GOC and Commander OPSH Maj. -Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar on Saturday took over from Maj. -Gen Abdulsalami Ibrahim in a handing and taking over ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Gen. Abdulsalam said he will sustain the onslaught on banditry, Kidnapping cattle rustling, farmer/herder crisis, elicit drug addiction fought by his predecessor to ensure continuity of keeping the area under his command safe for all citizens.

Acknowledging the successes achieved by his predecessor, Abdulsalam said the legacies the outgone GOC achieved will not be allowed to be swept under the bridge.

“I will battle with kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling, farmer/herder crisis, elicit drug addiction. All these have been degraded to a large extent by the outgoing commander, but I am fully prepared to face the challenges head-on.

“I promise one thing and that is to lead well. All I require from officers is to be good followers”, Gen. Abdulsalam said.

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He continued: “My vision for this division is rooted in three principles of readiness, synergy and excellence. If you remember this you will know that it is in line with the Chief of Army Staff command philosophy, which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving her constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.

“I urge you all to remain resilient, focused, resolute and committed in the achievement of our mission mandate, by protecting our dear nation.

“We must leverage on our capabilities especially in terms of training, equipment, and team work to defeat any threat”,  Abdulsalam affirmed.

Earlier, the outgone GOC and OPSH Commander, charged the soldiers to remain disciplined and ensure loyalty to the new boss, adding that loyalty should be 100 per cent at all times.

He encouraged the soldiers to always keep the Barracks clean and maintain all the facilities within their space.

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Our correspondent reports that Abdulsalam took over the mantle of  leadership of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven in response to the latest army reshuffle of senior officers by the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Toareed Lagbaja, almost two weeks ago.