By Marie-Therese Nanlong 

Jos – Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has bowed out of office as the General Officer Commanding, GOC 3 Division, Nigerian Army, as well as the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, OpSH as his successor, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola resumes duty as the GOC 3 Division and Commander, OpSH.

Abubakar has been deployed to the 

National Defence College, Abuja. During the dual handing-over ceremonies on Thursday at the 3 Division Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Rukuba, Bassa local government area of Plateau State, and at the Headquarters of Operation Safe in Jos, the State capital, Oyinlola assured of doing his best in the new assignments.

Oyinlola said, “I am honoured 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… The cycle of violence must end. It is unacceptable for communities to continue living in fear. We will intensify efforts to restore normalcy.”

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who commended the officers and soldiers for their dedication and support during his tenure, asked that his successor be supported to carry out his duties successfully adding, “The security dynamics here are unique. Mediating 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.”

Earlier, the outgone GOC had held an expanded stakeholders’ meeting with the theme, “Consolidation on Security Gains for a Harmonious Coexistence in 2025,” at the Cantonment to strengthen their commitment to enduring peace in communities in the State.

Addressing the stakeholders, Major General Abubakar said, “As I approach the end of my tenure in this Command, it is important for me to use this opportunity to reflect on the journey we have undertaken together, acknowledge the invaluable support from all of you stakeholders and discuss the next steps for our continued collective efforts in ensuring peace, stability and development in our Joint Operations Area.

“Your presence at this engagement today speaks volume about your commitment, cooperation, and unity we have built over time.  The unwavering support you provided has been instrumental in the successes we recorded and it is only fitting to take this opportunity to acknowledge these milestones while also looking forward to the challenges ahead.  

“However, as we acknowledge the gains made so far, let us not forget that security challenges still exist in the Joint Operations Area though on a low scale.  It is imperative to sustain the collective efforts against insecurity as these low-scale criminalities could boomerang if left unchecked. Therefore, as I transition out of this Command, I ask for your continued support for my successor…”

The stakeholders were from the Jos North, Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Wase, and Mangu local government areas of the State as well as the representatives of the traditional rulers, tribal associations, government institutions, religious and community leaders, women and youth groups, security agencies, and others who commended the outgone GOC for his untiring efforts, presented gifts to him, and assured his successor of continued support.