News
Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola Assumes Command as GOC 3 Division, Vows to End Plateau’s Cycle of Violence
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.
From passionate fans gathering at newspaper stands every morning to catch up on the latest sports stories to lively viewing centres where supporters cheer their favourite teams, sports continue to unite Nigerians through shared passion and excitement.
Here are the biggest sports headlines making the front pages of Nigeria’s leading newspapers today.
Read Also: Nigerian Newspaper Sports Headlines Today – Monday, June 29, 2026 | Sports247 Nigeria
Sporting Life
Zimbabwe’s, Bafana’s Draws Cost Nigeria
Chelle says: ‘Those two dropped points hurt us’
Did Portugal Make A Mistake With Ronaldo?
Martinelli’s Last-Gasp Strike Sends Selecao To Round Of 16
Germany Out Of The World Cup
France Vs Sweden: Thuram Out Of Round Of 32 Clash
Barcelona Open Shock Talks To Sign Kane
Maduka Okoye Attracts Besiktas’ Interest
Akpokona’s Death Shakes Sunshine Stars’ Management
Coventry City Sign Onyeka
Caicedo Named As Ecuador’s New Captain
Eric Chelle Highlights: Lookman Was Aware I Was Watching
Wright, Neville Tear Into Saka
Daily Sun
Chelle Vows To Keep Watch On Super Eagles Players
Man City Appoints Maresca As New Manager
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: D’Tigers Recall Five, 12-Man Squad Unveiled
CAF Ag. Secretary-General Hails NFF Legacy Projects
DavNotch Announces Prize Money Increase For Annual Tournament
Fortune FA Reigns Supreme In Epic U-13 Cup Final
Golf: Otu Dedicates June Monthly Mug Triumph To Udo
Vanguard
Chelle Hurts By Nigeria’s Missed World Cup Dream
Amusan Wins Paris Diamond League 100m Hurdles
Besiktas Join Juventus In Race For Okoye
World Cup Qualifiers: Metu, Okoye, Agada Return Boost D’Tigers
Nigerians Celebrate South Africa W/Cup Exit
Maresca: Man City Pay £17m To Chelsea
World Cup Exit: Saudi Arabia Federation Chief Quits
Daily Trust
2026 W’Cup: Brazil Come From Behind To Knockout Japan
Man City Hire Maresca To Start New Era After Guardiola
Besiktas Set €8m Price Tag For Ndidi Amid Dutch, Saudi, EPL Interest
Yabatech Sports Complex To Host Dynamic Athletics Meet
Punch
CAF Opens Race For Substantive Secretary-General Role
DavNotch Increases National Tennis Tourney Prize Money
Brazil Leave It Late To Eliminate Japan
The Nation
Kalou Faults FIFA On World Cup Hydration Break
Last-Gasp Brazil Edge Japan To Reach Last 16
Fae: Elephants To Play With Hearts In Norway Test
DavNotch Raises Prize Money For Annual Tennis Championship
Man City Hire Enzo Maresca
Badamasi Hails NFF Over Hostel, Training Pitch Project
Eyes On Serena At Wimbledon Return
Standard Times
EPL: Manchester City Appoint Enzo Maresca As New Manager
South Korea Fans Boo Outgoing Coach Hong After World Cup Exit
World Cup: Brazil Fight Back With Stoppage-Time Winner To Eliminate Japan
Cape Verde Captain Faces Rape Investigation
FIFA World Cup
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 and book a place in the Round of 16 through Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner.
Paraguay knocked Germany out on penalties to qualify for the Round of 16.
France will face Sweden after Marcus Thuram was ruled out of the Round of 32 clash.
Portugal’s handling of Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate debate after their latest World Cup outing.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes ended after costly draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Transfer Watch
Maduka Okoye: Besiktas join the race for the Super Eagles goalkeeper.
Wilfred Ndidi: Besiktas set an €8 million valuation amid interest from Dutch, Saudi and Premier League clubs.
Harry Kane: Barcelona open shock talks to sign the England captain.
David Onyeka: Coventry City complete a permanent move.
Enzo Maresca: Officially appointed Manchester City manager.
Sports247 Take
Tuesday’s newspaper headlines are dominated by Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner sending the Selecao into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. On the domestic scene, Eric Chelle’s reaction to Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualification, Tobi Amusan’s Diamond League triumph, and fresh transfer interest in Maduka Okoye and Wilfred Ndidi feature prominently across the back pages. Off the pitch, Manchester City’s appointment of Enzo Maresca, CAF’s Secretary-General race, and DavNotch’s increased prize money for its annual tennis tournament also make today’s newspaper headlines.
