The newly-established 8 Division of Nigerian Army, with headquarters in
Sokoto, has formally taken off with the posting of Brigadier-General SO
Olabanji as the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC).
Revealing this when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Waziri
Tambuwal at the Government House, the new GOC said all necessary
arrangements have been put in place to ensure to ensure a smooth take off.
He said the bulk of the men and officers of the division were hitherto
involved in internal safety operations in the North, but have now been
mobilised to ensure the proper take off of the new division.
“As you may recall, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Yusuf Burutai
announced the establishment of this division when he visited Sokoto earlier
this year. I am to inform you that we have taken off and to solicit the
support and cooperation of the people and governments under our
jurisdiction,” the new GOC stated.
In his remarks, Governor Tambuwal assured the army authorities of total
support to enable them achieve their objectives.
“We welcome you with open hearts. To us, the military are our friends. We
will give you all the necessary support to achieve success. We owe you that
much having given everything you have to protect us at all times.
“We will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable. As for the new
GOC, we assure you that Sokoto is your home. Feel free to go to any part of
the state anytime the need arises. We cherish our position of being the
most peaceful state in the federation, and your arrival will make us
strengthen that position,” he added.