There has been a major leadership transition at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan, Oyo State. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda on Monday, August 3, 2026, officially assumed duty as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division.
The symbolic handing and taking-over ceremony took place at the 2 Division Headquarters, marking the commencement of a new operational chapter for the formation overseeing critical internal security across the South-West and surrounding areas.
Mahmuda Pledges Consolidation and Operational Excellence
Addressing officers, soldiers, and press men during the ceremony, Major General Mahmuda expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with the leadership of the strategic division.
Describing the appointment as a rare privilege, the incoming GOC committed to strengthening the operational readiness, discipline, and tactical effectiveness of the officers under his command.
“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment. I am committed to advancing the division’s operational effectiveness and building directly on the solid achievements of my predecessor.” — Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, 56th GOC, 2 Division
Outgoing GOC Nnebeife Redeployed to Command Newly Created 10 Division
Major General Mahmuda takes over from Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who has been officially redeployed by military high command to pioneer and lead the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 2 DIVISION IBADAN LEADERSHIP SHIFT │
├───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┤
│ Incoming GOC │ Outgoing GOC │
├───────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┤
│ • Maj. Gen. A. Mahmuda │ • Maj. Gen. C. Nnebeife │
│ • 56th GOC of 2 Division │ • Redeployed as pioneer │
│ • Headquartered Ibadan │ GOC, 10 Division Jalingo│
└───────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────┘
The outgoing GOC leaves 2 Division on a high note following notable operational successes in internal security operations.
Chief among these was leading the complex, intelligence-led multi-agency operation that successfully secured the release of abducted Oriire schoolchildren and their teachers. The rescue operation, which lasted over a month, saw the victims regain their freedom after 56 days in captivity without any ransom payment.
In his farewell remarks, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife expressed profound gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to serve in Ibadan and for the fresh mandate to establish operational structures at the newly formed 10 Division in the North-East region.
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