Major General Babalola Assumes Command as 26th GOC of 81 Division Nigerian Army
The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has formally assumed command as the 26th GOC following a colourful handover ceremony held at the Headquarters of 81 Division, 3 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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Major General Babalola took over from Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, whose tenure was marked by notable security improvements and positive economic impact across the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Speaking during 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 on the achievements of his predecessor and steer the Division toward 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 cooperation, loyalty, and professionalism accorded his predecessor.
In his farewell remarks, the outgone GOC, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, thanked God and the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve. He outlined key milestones recorded during his tenure, including improved operational readiness, enhanced security, reduction in illegal activities, and strengthened discipline among troops. He urged officers and soldiers to give their full support to the new GOC in the overall interest of the Nigerian Army and the nation.
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 (NDA), where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Defence Studies. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Throughout his 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, Commanding Officer 212 Tank Battalion, Maiduguri, and Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin. His most recent appointment was Director of Defence Liaison at the National Assembly.
He has participated in numerous military operations, including MNJTF, UNMIL, UNAMID, as well as Operations BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIA, and LAFIYA DOLE, bringing vast operational and strategic experience to his new role.
The handover ceremony featured an address to troops by the outgone GOC, the signing of handover and takeover notes, the decoration of the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, and the hoisting of the new GOC’s flag—symbolically marking the beginning of a new era for the Division.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Nigerian Army remains committed to professionalism, operational excellence, and the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Major General Babalola Assumes Command as 26th GOC of 81 Division Nigerian Army