Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI and Multi-National Joint Task Force, Monguno on 15 April 2023, witnessed a change of command as Major General Peter Okoye takes over the mantle of leadership of the Sector from Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar who is now redeployed as the new General Officer Commanding GOC 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI.
The handing and taking over ceremony took place at the Sector Headquaters in Kinnasara Cantonment Monguno, Northern Borno on Sunday.
In his farewell address to troops at the Cantonment Parade Ground, the outgoing Sector 3 Commander thanked officers and soldiers of the Sector for their co-operation, support and committment during his tenure as the Sector Commander.
He specifically commended the troops for their exemplary conduct, professionalism and discipline while he held the fort.
He further urged troops to extend same to his successor whom he described as a professional colleague with the foresight and capacity to move the Sector to greater heights having previously served in the Sector Headquarters as the Chief of Staff.
He reiterated that with the current continuous support of the FGN through the provision of critical combat enablers to support troops in the field, the insurgency in the North East would soon be brought to a close particularly with the sterling strategic guidance being provided by the CDS and the COAS who have given priority attention to all issues concerning deployed troops especially on welfare and sound administration.
Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abukakar further commended troops for their tenacity and resilience in the fight against terrorism.
He urged them to sustain and consolidate on the immense successes recorded so far by Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF which has led to the relocation of displaced citizens back to their ancestral homes and the rapid pick up of socio economic activities within the last one year in Northern Borno.
Ealier, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar in company of the incoming Commander and Staff Officers of the Sector were at 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and 19 Brigade, Cross Kauwa respectively to bid farewell to the troops at the frontline Brigades.
In his farewell address, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar urged the troops to remain committed, dogged, focused and to continue to operate within the tenets of international laws in the conduct of operations
The new Commander, Major General Peter Okoye is a seasoned Infantry Officer.
Until his recent appointment as Comd Sect 3 OPHK/MNJTF, he was the Director of Policy, Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plan.
Highlights of the ceremony was the signing of handing and takeover notes between the 2 commanders, hoisting of the new command flag at the Sector Quarter Guard and the decoration of the new Sector Commander with the Sector insignias, to symbolizes the change in the mantle of leadership.
The ceremony was witnessed by Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of Heaquarters Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF amongst others.
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