The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged officers and soldiers of the division not to compromise professional standards.
   
Speaking at a brief handover ceremony, Babalola pledged to sustain high professional standards and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
   
“For those who have worked with me, you should know that I do not compromise standards. Once we maintain professionalism and do not compromise standards, you will not have any problem with me,” he said.   He recalled a popular saying by a former Chief of Army Staff, noting that, “we are all from here, we are all Nigerians, and Nigerians expect so much from the military.
 
 “And if all of us key into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, we are going to achieve great success. And the mantra ends with what? Mission success.”
   
Babalola said there was no excuse for the military to fail Nigerians, adding, “We are the backbone of Nigeria, and all Nigerians expect so much from us. Every day, we must continue to redouble our efforts to make Nigeria safe and to enable the democratic process and economic development of this country to thrive.”
   
The new GOC expressed gratitude to God and paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, whom he described as a highly respected, disciplined and professional officer.
   
Recalling that both officers shared a long professional history dating back to 1992 when they were cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Babalola said he had worked under Mijinyawa at the Army Headquarters and benefited immensely from his leadership.
   
“It is a big shoe I am stepping into, but I will continue to consult with you from time to time,” he said, assuring that the foundation laid by his predecessor had placed him on a “very sound footing” to succeed.
   
Babalola reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security, democratic governance and economic development, stressing that officers and soldiers must continually redouble their efforts to make Nigeria safe.

Speaking earlier, the outgoing GOC of the 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, said the division recorded significant operational, training and administrative successes during his 18-month tenure, attributing the achievements to professionalism, discipline and inter-agency cooperation.
   
He described himself as fortunate to have worked with “some of the finest officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army,” noting that their collective efforts enabled the division to efficiently discharge its mandate under the motto, “Strength and Resilience.”
   
According to him, the division’s operational readiness remained at an optimal level throughout the period, contributing significantly to the successes recorded in internal security operations and joint assignments.

“In the area of training, the division successfully conducted all activities outlined in the Nigerian Army focus of events,” he said, adding that the formation also hosted four major Army-level training exercises in 2025, including the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.
   
He noted that hosting the conference was a strong vote of confidence in the division by Army Headquarters. On operations, Mijinyawa said the division effectively secured the South-Western flank of the country, its primary area of responsibility, while working closely with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in Lagos and Ogun states.
   
He disclosed that the division recorded notable successes in reducing criminal activities through joint operations and collaboration with sister security agencies, adding that it also conducted an ongoing international joint operation.
   
Administratively, he said discipline within the division remained “very satisfactory”, with cases of soldiers performing illegal duties drastically reduced across the area of responsibility.
   
On logistics, he said the division witnessed major infrastructure development through interventions by Army Headquarters, including the construction and renovation of accommodation for officers and soldiers, as well as improvements in lift capability to enhance operational effectiveness.
   
The outgoing GOC expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the confidence reposed in him and for the guidance and support that enabled the division to effectively implement the Army’s command philosophy.
 
 He also thanked the principal staff officers at Army Headquarters, the Commander, Infantry Corps, divisional staff officers, commanders, directors, and commanding officers for their dedication and responsiveness.