The General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has directed the 321 Artillery Regiment in Iseyin, Oyo State, to address security challenges with decisive action. According to Punch, the commander issued these instructions during his first operational visit to the unit’s temporary base on Saturday. The directive, communicated through a statement by the division’s acting deputy director of public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, emphasizes the need for sustained vigilance and professional conduct within the unit's area of responsibility.
Punch reported that Mahmuda highlighted the specific security pressures facing the area, noting the unit’s location near the Old Oyo National Park. He urged the soldiers to take necessary operational measures to prevent criminal elements from establishing a foothold in their designated zone. The commander also stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relationships with the host community, a factor he identified as critical for the unit's effectiveness and local acceptance.
In his address, Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army. Punch noted that the GOC described this expansion as a development that would significantly enhance the military's capacity to address contemporary security challenges. He specifically charged the artillery unit to perform their specialized role effectively while ensuring that their presence contributes to the broader stability of the division.
The visit served as an opportunity for the commander to interact with troops deployed across various locations within the division’s area of responsibility. Punch described the event as a demonstration of the GOC’s commitment to ensuring that newly established formations settle in and perform their assigned duties. The statement, issued in Ibadan on Sunday, outlined the expectations for the 321 Artillery Regiment as they begin operations in their new posting.
The broader context of the visit includes the ongoing efforts to integrate new units into the existing command structure. By focusing on both operational readiness and community relations, Mahmuda aimed to set a clear standard for the regiment. The emphasis on preventing criminal elements from gaining a foothold suggests a proactive approach to the security dynamics in the Oyo region, particularly in areas adjacent to natural reserves.