By Ademola Ade
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops of the newly established 321 Artillery Regiment in Iseyin, Oyo State, to intensify efforts to tackle security threats, particularly around the Old Oyo National Park.
Mahmuda gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the regiment’s temporary location in Iseyin, urging personnel to remain vigilant, take decisive action against criminal elements and uphold professional standards in the discharge of their duties.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations.
Expressing concern over the security situation in the area, particularly the regiment’s proximity to the Old Oyo National Park, the GOC directed the troops to take all necessary operational measures to prevent criminal elements from establishing a foothold within their area of responsibility.
He charged the personnel to deal decisively with security challenges, maintain constant vigilance and conduct themselves professionally, stressing that their operations should bring honour to the Nigerian Army.
Mahmuda also commended the Chief of Army Staff for expanding the Nigerian Army, noting that the establishment of additional formations would strengthen the military’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.
He urged the regiment to discharge its artillery responsibilities effectively and maintain a cordial relationship with its host community.
According to him, cooperation between the military and local residents remains important to the successful discharge of operational responsibilities and the maintenance of security in the area.
The GOC’s visit, the statement said, underscored his commitment to ensuring that newly established formations and units under his command settle into their operational environments and perform their assigned duties effectively.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Mahmuda to interact with troops deployed to various locations across the division’s area of responsibility and assess their operational readiness.
The deployment of the 321 Artillery Regiment to Iseyin is expected to strengthen the Army’s presence in the area as security agencies continue efforts to prevent criminal activities around the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding communities.
