Nigeria’s military has appointed a new commander to oversee one of its most critical security operations, signaling a renewed commitment to tackling insecurity in the country’s central region.
Major General Maxwell Dangana officially assumed office as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven during a handover ceremony held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos. He succeeds Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of the Faculty of Combat Arms and Research.
During the ceremony, Oyinlola credited the achievements recorded during his tenure to the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of officers and soldiers under his command. He said the division strengthened intelligence-led operations, improved operational planning and maintained sustained pressure on criminal groups while expanding cooperation with other security and intelligence agencies.
He emphasized that close collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Immigration Service and Correctional Service played a major role in improving security across the Joint Operations Area.
Beyond military operations, Oyinlola highlighted efforts to build stronger relationships with local communities through dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups. He said medical outreach programmes, educational support, environmental sanitation exercises and sporting activities also helped strengthen trust between the military and civilians.
The outgoing commander thanked the governments and people of Plateau State and other states within the operational area for their support, urging officers and soldiers to extend the same commitment and loyalty to his successor.
Taking over command, Major General Dangana described his new assignment as a significant responsibility, saying he was stepping into “giant shoes.” He pledged to build on the progress already made and further consolidate security gains across Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
Recalling his previous service in Jos, Dangana noted that the security environment had improved considerably over the years. He assured residents that the Nigerian Army would remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace across the region. He also promised an open-door leadership style and called on officers and troops to work together in sustaining operational successes.
