The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops of the newly established 321 Artillery Regiment in Iseyin, Oyo State, to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in their area of responsibility.

Mahmuda gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the regiment’s temporary location, urging the troops to remain vigilant, tackle security challenges decisively, and maintain high standards of professionalism.

The Army said the GOC highlighted the security concerns in the area, particularly the regiment’s proximity to the Old Oyo National Park, and directed the troops to take all necessary operational measures to address potential threats.

He urged them to discharge their responsibilities effectively and bring glory to the Nigerian Army through dedication, discipline and operational effectiveness.

Mahmuda also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the expansion of the Nigerian Army, noting that the establishment of additional formations would strengthen the service’s capacity to respond to contemporary security challenges.

He charged the artillery regiment to perform its assigned operational role effectively and maintain cordial relations with its host community.

The visit, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, was aimed at ensuring that newly established formations and units settled in and performed their assigned responsibilities effectively.

The statement added that the visit also provided an opportunity for the GOC to interact with troops deployed to various locations across the division’s area of responsibility.