GOC 2 Division Visits 148 Battalion, Charges Troops to Uphold Army Core Values
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Nigerian Army 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has visited 148 Battalion, Ikere-Ekiti, as part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units under his command.
Mahmuda, who assumed command recently, was received at the Battalion Headquarters on September 5, 2026, by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Dimka.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, the GOC urged them to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, namely loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others.
He said adherence to the values would enable them to maintain the high standards expected of professional soldiers. He also cautioned the troops against substance abuse, indiscriminate use of social media and other vices capable of undermining their professionalism.
The GOC reassured the troops that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, remained committed to their welfare through the Soldiers First Concept, noting that the recent salary increment was a demonstration of the Army leadership’s commitment to their wellbeing.
He charged the troops to redouble their efforts in safeguarding lives and property in Ekiti State, stressing the importance of their role in maintaining peace and security in the state.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC also admonished Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to serve as exemplary role models to their subordinates.
According to him, SNCOs constitute the bridge between officers and soldiers and are expected to mentor younger soldiers in both character and professional knowledge.
He stressed that effective mentorship was essential to preserving the values of the Nigerian Army and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
The visit formed part of the GOC’s maiden familiarisation tour of formations and units under his command, aimed at conducting on-the-spot assessments of their operational readiness and welfare.
The visit climaxed with an operational briefing by the Commanding Officer, 148 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dimka, followed by the GOC’s address to the troops.
