Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola has formally assumed command as the 26th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, following a ceremonial handover at the Division’s Headquarters on 3 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In a statement signed by Musa Yahaya, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Nigerian Army today Tuesday and made available to Journalists stated that: Gen. Abdulrahman Babalola took over from Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, whose tenure was marked by notable security improvements and enhanced economic activities within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
In his inaugural address, Major General Babalola expressed gratitude to God Almighty and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for the confidence and privilege bestowed on him to lead the Division. He pledged to consolidate and build on the achievements of his predecessor, while steering the Division towards greater operational effectiveness in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy. He also called on officers and soldiers of the Division to extend to him the same loyalty, cooperation and support accorded his predecessor.
The outgone GOC, Major General Mijinyawa, thanked God and the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve. He highlighted key milestones recorded during his tenure, including improved operational readiness, enhanced security, reduction in illegal activities and improved discipline among personnel. He urged officers and soldiers to give maximum support to his successor in the interest of the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
Major General Babalola is a highly experienced and accomplished senior officer. Born on 16 June 1973, he is a member of the 44th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Defence Studies, as well as a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several command, staff, instructional and extra-regimental appointments. These include serving as a Military Observer in Darfur, Defence Attaché in Cotonou, Directing Staff and later Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He was also Commanding Officer of 212 Tank Battalion in Maiduguri and Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin. His last appointment before the new posting was Director, Defence Liaison at the National Assembly.
He has participated in several major operations, including the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), UNMIL, UNAMID, as well as Operations BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIA and LAFIYA DOLE.
The handover ceremony featured an address to troops by the outgone GOC, the signing of handover and takeover notes, decoration of the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, and the hoisting of the new GOC’s flag, symbolising the commencement of a new chapter in the leadership of 81 Division.
