Abdusalam Abubakar has assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, new Jos and commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

Mr Abubakar, who assumed duty on Saturday, replaced Abdusalami Ibrahim, who is now the chief of policy and plans, Army Headquarters.

Speaking separately during the handing over ceremony, the new GOC and commander, thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for appointing him to man the two formations simultaneously.

He promised to build on the legacies of his immediate predecessor, and called on officers and men of the division and OPSH to cooperate with him toward achieving its mandate.

“Let me first thank God and the COAS for appointing me to serve in this dual capacity.

“I’m fully prepared for the challenges of these offices, but I will build on the legacies of my predecessor to achieve our mandate.

“All I need from the officers and men is to be good followers,” he said.

Speaking specifically on his role as OPSH commander, Mr Abubakar promised to use both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches toward achieving lasting peace within its areas of operation.

He also promised to collaborate with other conventional security agencies, vigilante groups and other local security groups to curb all forms of insecurity in its areas of coverage.

Earlier, the outgoing GOC and commander, Mr Ibrahim, thanked officers and men of the division and OPSH for their support and urged them to extend the same to the new boss.

“Loyalty in the army is 100 per cent and so you have to accord him the same loyalty and support you gave me,” he advised.

Mr Ibrahim, however, thanked officers and men of the two formations for making his five-month stay with them worthwhile.

He also commended them for conducting themselves professionally, particularly during the 2023 general elections.

(NAN)