Taken on it’s X social media handle,the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, witnessed a significant change of command as Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase officially assumed duty as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The transition followed the recent posting and appointments approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. The colourful handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Headquarters, 1 Division, Kaduna, with full military tradition and pageantry.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing GOC, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, expressed profound gratitude to God and the COAS for entrusting him with the mantle of leadership in the prestigious Division. He applauded the officers and soldiers for their unwavering loyalty, discipline, and support throughout his tenure. General Saraso urged them to extend even greater cooperation to his successor, stressing that unity of purpose remains vital to achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The ceremony was marked by several symbolic highlights, including the formal signing of handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, and a ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the Division’s flag at the Quarter Guard — an age-long military ritual signifying the end of one era and the dawn of another. General Saraso also delivered an emotional farewell address to the troops, commending their dedication to service and patriotism.
The event concluded with the official presentation of the command flag to Major General Wase, group photographs, and other military formalities, cementing his assumption of duty as the new commander.
Major General Wase now steps into the role with the weight of expectation, tasked with leading the Division and contributing to national security at a time when the Nigerian Army continues to play a pivotal role in addressing emerging security challenges across the country.
SHUAIB UMAR
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
Army Public Relations
1 Division, Nigerian Army
20 August 2025
PIONEER NEWS 