The Nigerian Army has appointed Major General Auwalu Mahmuda as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division in Ibadan, succeeding Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, whose tenure was defined by one of the country’s most notable internal security operations in 2026—the rescue of dozens of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The change of command took place on Monday at the 2 Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, as Nnebeife formally handed over leadership before proceeding to his new assignment as commander of the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.
New Commander Pledges to Build on Security Gains
Speaking after assuming office, Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with the command of one of the Army’s most strategically important formations.
He described the appointment as a privilege and promised to consolidate on the operational achievements recorded under his predecessor, particularly in combating kidnapping and other security threats across the South-West.
“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment,” Mahmuda said.
He assured officers and soldiers under the division of his commitment to improving operational effectiveness and strengthening security within the division’s area of responsibility.
The new commander also praised Nnebeife’s leadership, describing his predecessor’s accomplishments as remarkable and worthy of sustaining.
Nnebeife Leaves After High-Profile School Rescue Mission
Nnebeife exits the Ibadan-based command after overseeing one of the Nigerian Army’s most closely watched rescue operations this year.
In May, gunmen stormed schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting more than 40 pupils and teachers.
The kidnapping sparked an intensive multi-agency search operation involving the Nigerian Army and other security services.
After 56 days in captivity, the victims were rescued without the payment of ransom, although two teachers were reportedly killed during the ordeal.
The operation attracted national attention because of its reliance on intelligence gathering, surveillance and inter-agency coordination rather than a direct military assault.
Following the successful rescue, Nnebeife disclosed that troops navigated difficult terrain while maintaining sustained surveillance on the kidnappers’ movements until the victims could be safely recovered.
The rescue was widely commended by the Oyo State Government and security stakeholders as a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle kidnapping across the South-West.
Strategic Role of the 2 Division
The Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, headquartered in Ibadan, remains one of the military’s key operational formations, providing support for internal security operations across several South-West states.
Its responsibilities include counter-kidnapping operations, support for civil authorities, and coordinated responses to emerging security threats within the region.
With Mahmuda now in command, attention is expected to focus on sustaining ongoing security operations and building on recent successes against criminal groups operating across the division’s jurisdiction.
