The General Officer Commanding , 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops deployed around Old Oyo National Park to maintain sustained pressure on criminal groups operating within the area and its surrounding communities.
Mahmuda gave the directive on Wednesday during a visit to the Forward Operating Base in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State, where he emphasised the need for troops to consolidate their operational gains and prevent criminal elements from establishing a foothold in the area.
During his engagement with the personnel, the GOC stressed the importance of maintaining an aggressive operational posture to rid the national park and its environs of bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements. According to a statement issued in Ibadan by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Danjuma, Mahmuda said, “I have been following operational developments in the OONP and its environs, particularly the troops’ efforts and achievements.
“I want you to sustain operational tempo against criminal elements. Ensure you clear the OONP and its environs of bandits, terrorists, other criminal elements, and effectively dominate the area by denying criminal elements freedom of action.”
Mahmuda also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s commendation of the troops’ commitment to their duties, noting that Lt Gen W. Shaibu was satisfied with their resilience in the ongoing operations. He encouraged the personnel to build on their achievements, remain steadfast and intensify their efforts to improve security across the operational area.
The GOC commended other security agencies and local vigilante groups for supporting the military’s efforts, highlighting the importance of cooperation among security stakeholders in addressing security threats. He said, “your collaboration demonstrated effective operational synergy among security stakeholders. We cannot thank you enough for what you are doing.”
On arrival at the Forward Operating Base, Mahmuda was received by the Commander, 2 Division Garrison, Brig Gen Emmanuel Azenda, alongside the Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, Oyo, Brig Gen Austin Obochi. The visit provided an opportunity for the GOC to engage with military commanders and assess operational activities in the area.
He subsequently received an operational briefing from the Commanding Officer, 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, Col Godwin Akuve, and the Operations Officer, Maj Osaigbovo Ero, at FOB Igbeti, on the security situation and ongoing military efforts around Old Oyo National Park and its surrounding communities.
