By Victor Akaa.
In a concerted effort to bolster security operations and tackle emerging threats, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, wednesday undertook a comprehensive visit to military formations in Gombe State.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division said during the visit, the GOC emphasized the imperative of vigilance and decisive action against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening the state.
He commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to remain resolute in their mission to combat terrorism and criminality.
According to the statement, the GOC’s first stop was the Headquarters of the 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) in Gombe, where he was received by the regiment’s Commander, Colonel AM Mohammed.
Colonel Mohammed provided an overview of the formation’s operational activities and highlighted some of the challenges faced by the unit.
Major General Oyinlola praised the regiment’s efforts in maintaining security across Gombe State and assured the Commander that the Division would address some of the challenges internally, while others would be escalated to the Army Headquarters for immediate action.
Earlier in the day, the GOC visited the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Camp in Gombe State, where he lauded the Commandant, Colonel AA Johnson, for his innovative initiatives aimed at deradicalizing and reintegrating individuals back into society.
The GOC also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s unwavering support to military formations.
Governor Yahaya, in his response, thanked the GOC for the visit and praised the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their tireless efforts in safeguarding the state.
The visit coincided with a security summit organized by the Gombe State government, titled _“Towards Building a Safer and More Secure Gombe: Addressing Insecurity Through Collective Action.”_
During the event, the GOC delivered a goodwill message, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, youth education, and the use of modern technology in tackling insecurity.
The summit was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.
The event featured lectures, a keynote speech, the commissioning of operational vehicles, and the presentation of keys to security agencies to enhance their operational capacity.
The GOC’s visit and the security summit underscored the collective commitment of the military, government, and citizens to ensuring a safer and more secure Gombe State.
