Major General AE Abubakar has assumed the position of General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau state. The official handover ceremony took place at the Headquarters of 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment and the Headquarters of OPSH in Jos.
During the ceremony, the outgoing GOC and Commander OPSH, General Abdulsalami Bagudu, emphasized the importance of discharging responsibilities with professionalism, maintaining regimentation, and demonstrating loyalty to the constituted authority. He commended the troops for their conduct during the general election and urged them to properly maintain the infrastructure developed during his tenure.
In his inaugural address, the new GOC and Commander OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General TA Lagbaja, for entrusting him with the dual role of GOC 3 Division and Commander OPSH. He acknowledged the achievements of the command under the leadership of General Abdulsalami Bagudu and pledged to build on those successes.
Major General AE Abubakar outlined his vision for 3 Division, focusing on readiness, synergy, and excellence, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force. He urged the troops to remain committed, resilient, and focused on their duty of protecting the lives and property of citizens. He emphasized the importance of capacity development, teamwork, and leveraging resources to defeat the enemies of peace.
The new GOC expressed his commitment to working with sister agencies, stakeholders, the government, and traditional institutions to achieve success. He paid tribute to General Abdulsalami Bagudu, acknowledging his exceptional leadership and dedication to the welfare of troops and their families.
The ceremony included the address to troops, the signing of Handing and Taking Over notes, and Quarter Guard Ceremonies, highlighting the official transition of leadership.