Following the recent redeployment of senior officers accross Nigerian Army formations, a new Commander has been appointed for Guards Brigade Nigeria Army. He is Brigadier General Aminu Umar.
Assistant Director Army Public Relations Officer Guards Brigade, Godfrey Anebi Abakpa in a press statement on Friday said he took over from Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman who has been redeployed to 2 Division Nigerian Army as the General Officer Commanding (GOC).
Speaking during the Handing and Taking-Over ceremony at the Brigade Conference Room today 20th January 2023, the outgone Commander, Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman while thanking officers and men of the Brigade for their support, loyalty and commitment through out his tour of duty, sued for same and more support to enable his successor carry out his assigned task of securing the Federal Capital Territory and its environs while protecting the Presidency and the first family as the Nation’s seat of power.
He noted that the change in barton came at a very critical time when the nation is inching towards the conduct of the 2023 general elections and therefore urged officers and men of the Brigade and units under command to remain dedicated to their duties stresssing that securing the Federal Capital and the nation in general against terrorists, bandits and criminal elements remains the primary responsibility of all under command.
He expressed his gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for all his support and the opportunity to serve him while he was the Commander Guards Brigade as well as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for giving him another opportunity to further continue in the service of the motherland by giving him yet another area of responsibility as a General Officer Commanding.
He added that individual and collective contributions of officers and men which had made his tenure as Commander successful and further implore them to reciprocate same to the new Commander whom he describe as a highly committed and decorated senior officer with high moral standing.
Responding, the new Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Aminu Umar while appreciating the outgone Commander for his foresight and achievement in the area of security and infrastural development also promise to continue with the good legacies.
He assured officers and men of the brigade of his zeal to build upon the successes recored by his predecssor stressing that, the task of moving the Brigade foreward is the responsibility of all.
He urged them to remain more proactive, committed and disciplined always as the task ahead requires all hands on deck.
Brigadier General Umar thanked the COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for finding him worthy of the appointment, assuring of his committment towards achieving the Vision of the Army Chief and to ensure security of lives and properties of all citizens within the Brigade Area of Responsibilities.
Earlier the new commander was conducted round units under command which include 7 Guards Battalion Maitama, 102 Guards Battalion Suleja, 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada, 177 Guards Battalion Keffi and Guards Brigade Garrison located in Mambilla Barracks Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Highlights of the ceremony was the signing of the Handing and Taking over note, decoration of the Commander with the Brigade Insignia and handing over of the Brigade flag of authority to the new commander.The event was attended by Commanding Officers, officers, and men of the Brigade as well civilian staff.