Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has officially assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

Oyinlola took over from Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been posted to the National Defence College, Abuja. The handing-over ceremony took place on Thursday, beginning at the 3 Division Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Rukuba Barracks, and later concluding at the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State. Oyinlola expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting him with the role.

“I am honored to take up this responsibility and pledge to sustain the achievements of my predecessor while working tirelessly to ensure lasting peace in Plateau and other areas under our jurisdiction,” Oyinlola stated.

He assured officers and soldiers of his commitment to collaboration, stressing that peace and stability in the region are paramount. Oyinlola also emphasized the need to break the cycle of violence in Plateau State, stating, “Life is not meant to be chaotic. We must double our efforts to eradicate criminality and ensure that communities can coexist peacefully.”

In his remarks, the outgoing GOC, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the officers and troops for their dedication and support during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of cooperation to Oyinlola.

Abubakar described the security situation in Plateau as complex, requiring both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. “The security dynamics here are unique. Mediating in conflicts between communities, particularly herders and farmers, has been a critical part of our operations. I am confident that Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola has the expertise to handle these challenges effectively,” Abubakar noted.

While thanking the Chief of Army Staff for his support, he further lauded the troops for their efforts in maintaining a crisis-free yuletide season during his tenure and charged them to remain resolute in their duties. Abubakar also thanked the government and people of Plateau for their cooperation and urged them to support his successor.

Speaking at the OPSH Headquarters in Jos during the handover ceremony, Oyinlola reaffirmed his determination to achieve total peace in Plateau and other operational areas. “The cycle of violence must end. It is unacceptable for communities to continue living in fear. We will intensify efforts to restore normalcy,” he said.

He emphasized discipline as a core value and promised to prioritize the welfare of troops to ensure optimal performance. “Discipline will be encouraged, and indiscipline will be appropriately sanctioned. Together, we can bring lasting peace to Plateau State,” Oyinlola added.

The ceremony marked a new chapter for the 3 Division and OPSH, with high expectations for the continuation of efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.