Jos, Plateau State – July 17, 2026
Major General Maxwell Dangana has officially assumed command as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), succeeding Major General Folusho Oyinlola after 18 months of distinguished service.
The handing and taking over ceremony commenced at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, before concluding at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the Division and the Joint Task Force.
In his farewell address, the outgoing GOC and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, officers and men of the Division, sister security agencies, the Plateau State Government, traditional institutions, community leaders and the media for their support throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on his 18 months in office, Oyinlola said the command strengthened intelligence-driven operations, enhanced operational planning and maintained sustained pressure on criminal elements across its area of responsibility. He noted that the command also expanded non-kinetic engagements through regular interactions with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, alongside medical outreaches, educational support, environmental sanitation and other civil-military cooperation initiatives that strengthened public trust.
Major General Folunsho Oyinlola who has now been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future center, emphasized that improved collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service and other stakeholders significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.
Speaking during the handing over at the Operation Enduring Peace Headquarters, Major General Oyinlola commended the officers and personnel of the Joint Task Force for their dedication and professionalism, attributing the improved security situation, particularly in Plateau State, to their sacrifices and commitment.
He described his successor as a highly experienced and competent senior officer capable of sustaining and building upon the achievements recorded by the operation. He urged all personnel to extend the same loyalty, cooperation and dedication to the new commander to ensure continued success in ongoing security operations.
In his acceptance remarks, the new GOC and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, praised his predecessor for laying a solid foundation for peace and stability within the Joint Operations Area.
He acknowledged the significant achievements recorded under Major General Oyinlola’s leadership and pledged to consolidate on the existing gains.
“I am fully assuming command of Operation Enduring Peace. From the briefing I have received, I have inherited a highly professional and dedicated team of officers. I appreciate the remarkable work done by my predecessor, and I am committed to building on those successes,” he said.
Major General Dangana assured that under his leadership, Operation Enduring Peace would remain fair, professional and impartial while prioritising the welfare of troops in line with the “Soldier First” philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
He also called on officers and personnel of the operation to maintain their discipline, commitment and cooperation as they continue to work towards sustaining peace and security across Plateau State and the wider Joint Operations Area.
The ceremony featured the signing of handing and taking over notes, decoration of the incoming General Officer Commanding, presentation of the insignia of command, exchange of the command flag and farewell parade in honour of the outgoing commander.