The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops of the newly established 321 Artillery Regiment in Iseyin, Oyo State, to remain vigilant and confront security threats decisively.
Mahmuda gave the directive during his maiden operational visit to the regiment’s temporary location on Saturday, October 17, 2026, where he assessed the unit’s readiness and encouraged personnel to maintain high professional standards.
According to the Army, the GOC urged the troops to intensify operational efforts and prevent criminal elements from establishing a foothold within their area of responsibility.
He particularly highlighted the security challenges associated with the regiment’s proximity to the Old Oyo National Park, an area whose location makes effective surveillance and coordinated security operations important.
Mahmuda directed the soldiers to adopt appropriate operational measures to protect surrounding communities and ensure that criminal activities were not allowed to undermine security in the region.
Army Emphasises Operational Readiness
The GOC also encouraged the troops to perform their artillery responsibilities effectively and maintain discipline in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed the importance of cordial relations between the military and host communities, noting that professional conduct and cooperation with residents are important elements of effective security operations.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the GOC to interact with personnel deployed to locations within the division’s area of responsibility.
Mahmuda expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for expanding the Army’s formations, saying the development would strengthen its capacity to respond to contemporary security challenges.
The visit underscores the importance of ensuring that newly established military units are adequately positioned to carry out their assigned responsibilities.
As the regiment settles into its operational environment, its effectiveness will depend on readiness, coordination, intelligence gathering and sustained engagement with surrounding communities.
The Army’s immediate priority, according to the directive, is to ensure that the unit can respond effectively to security threats while maintaining discipline and professional standards.