Major General Adebayo E. Babalola has assumed office as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, setting a firm tone centered on discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to standards.
At a handover ceremony in Lagos, he underscored the military’s central role in national security, democratic stability and economic development, stressing that officers and soldiers must align fully with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff to achieve mission success.
The new GOC paid tribute to his predecessor, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, describing him as a disciplined and highly respected officer whose leadership laid a solid foundation for the division. He noted their long professional association dating back to their cadet days at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1992 and recalled serving under him at Army Headquarters, an experience he said shaped his professional development.
Acknowledging the responsibility of the role, he said the groundwork already laid places the division on sound footing for continued progress.
Earlier, the outgoing GOC, Major General Mijinyawa, reflected on an 18 month tenure marked by significant operational, training and administrative achievements, which he attributed to discipline, professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration. He said the division maintained optimal operational readiness, contributing to internal security operations and joint assignments across Lagos and Ogun States, while also participating in an ongoing joint international operation.
In training and administration, the division executed all activities outlined in the Nigerian Army’s focus of events and hosted four major Army level exercises in 2025, including the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference. Discipline within the division remained satisfactory, with cases of illegal duties by soldiers significantly reduced, while infrastructural and logistics upgrades, particularly improved accommodation and enhanced mobility which has boosted operational effectiveness.
Major General Mijinyawa expressed appreciation to Army Headquarters, officers and soldiers, security partners, stakeholders and the media and described Major General Babalola as a seasoned officer capable of surpassing existing achievements.
This is another opportunity to own a faster-loading website to expand your business and take it digitally online. Meet the best website designer/master coder for any kind of website. Contact them now it is affordable Chat now: 09077260922
