BRIGADIER GENERAL OLATOKUNBO BELLO ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY'S 1ST BRIGADE, ZAMFARA STATE

Brigadier General Olatokunbo Bello

The newly appointed Commander of the Nigerian Army's 1 Brigade,Zamfara state, Brigadier General Olatokunbo Bello has assumed command of the premier brigade of the Nigerian Army at a colourful traditional Handing and Taking over ceremony held at the Brigade Headquarters, Gusau, Zamfara state on Tuesday 30 July, 2019. 

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the brigade, Lieutenant Ayobami Oni-Orisan on Thursday 1st August, 2019.

Brigadier Bello being decorated by the outgoing commander, Brigadier Udeagbala

 

According to the statement,  General OM Bello takes over command from General Linus Udeagbala, and until this appointment, served as the Chief of Staff at the Nigerian Army's 6th Division, Portharcourt, Rivers state.

In his remarks, Brigadier Bello appreciated the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for the confidence reposed in him to command the Nigerian Army’s pioneer brigade. He lauded the outgoing commander for his role in the fight against armed banditry in Zamfara state, while further enjoining troops of the brigade to remain disciplined, professional and dedicated to service, in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, which is “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”. 

       

Brigadier General Bello receiving the Command flag

                
In a similar vein, the outgoing commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Linus Udeagbala thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity given to him to serve as commander 1 Brigade. He equally appreciated all the personnel of the brigade for their cooperation, discipline and diligence displayed during his tour of duty as commander, commending them for their resilience and resolve in battling armed bandits and other criminals in Zamfara state. He noted that the concerted efforts of 1 Brigade troops under the auspices of Operation Harbin Kunama III, played a key role in forcing bandits and other criminals to embrace the ongoing Peace Process initiated by the Zamfara State Government. The outgoing Brigade Commander further charged the troops to fully support the new commander, stating that he has no doubt in his successor’s capability and capacity to take the brigade to greater heights.

 

Brigadier General Bello in a group photograph with the outgoing commander, Brigadier Geneal Udeagbala and other officers of the brigade

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army's 1st Brigade, Zamfara has been at the forefront of the fight against armed bandits and other criminalas operating within the North West region of the country. Recently, a massive onslaught by troops of the Brigade and neighbouring Operation Hadarin Daji dealt the bandits a decisive blow, forcing them to embrace the ongoing Peace Initiative in Zamfara state.