Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has successfully conducted a seamless change of command across Sectors 1, 2 and 3, in a bid to reinforce operational stability and maintain momentum in counter-terrorism efforts across the North East region.
In Sector 1, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu formally handed over command to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa during a ceremony held at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
Delivering his valedictory remarks, Brigadier General Unachukwu described his tenure as challenging yet rewarding, noting that the Division was being handed over in a more stable condition than he found it.
He commended brigade and field commanders for their dedication and urged personnel to sustain operational momentum, stressing that command transitions must not affect commitment to duty.
Brigadier General Diwa, upon assuming command, pledged to sustain and improve on the achievements of his predecessor.
He assured troops of his commitment to operational effectiveness and innovation, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of joint and multi-agency operations.
Sector 2 Handover in Damaturu
In Sector 2, based in Damaturu, Yobe State, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins handed over to Brigadier General Edet Effiong in a ceremony conducted according to established military traditions.
Brigadier General Martins expressed appreciation to officers and soldiers for their dedication, resilience and professionalism, noting that his tenure had seen notable operational achievements, improved troop morale and strengthened civil-military cooperation within the area of responsibility.
He urged personnel to extend maximum cooperation to his successor.
Brigadier General Effiong commended his predecessor for exemplary leadership and pledged to consolidate on achievements while intensifying ongoing operations.
He emphasised professionalism, discipline, adaptability and enhanced collaboration with local communities as key imperatives for addressing evolving security challenges.
Sector 3 Transition in Monguno
In Sector 3, located in Monguno, Borno State, Brigadier General Shehu Ahmed formally assumed command from Major General Suleiman Tilawan in a ceremony that also marked the transition of command within the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) component of the sector.
The outgoing commander expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support, loyalty and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, attributing operational successes to teamwork and collective commitment.
He urged troops to remain steadfast.
Brigadier General Ahmed paid tribute to his predecessor and pledged to build on the solid foundation established, with renewed emphasis on professionalism, discipline, operational efficiency and troops’ welfare. He assured that under his leadership the sector would sustain offensive operations and strengthen efforts to restore lasting peace and stability.
Highlights of the ceremonies included the signing of handover notes, symbolic transfer of command flags, presentation of souvenirs, operational briefings, visits to key locations and group photographs.
The Theatre Command assured the general public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational tempo across all sectors, denying terrorist elements freedom of action, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens throughout the North East.
