General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has formally handed over command to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa as the 16th GOC and Commander Sector 1 JTF OPHK, urging commanders and troops to sustain operational momentum.
General Unachukwu spoke on Thursday, May 15, 2026 during the handing and taking over ceremony held at the Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, a ceremony that marked the end of his “impactful tenure” which commenced on April 29, 2025. The event also marked the beginning of a new phase of leadership for the Division.
Delivering his valedictory remarks, General Unachukwu stressed that leadership transition must not alter the commitment to duty or the working environment, describing his period in command as challenging yet successful.
Noting that the Division is being handed over in a more stable state than when he assumed office, he stated: “We have pushed ourselves to get to where we are today. I am handing over the Division more stable than it was before.”
General Unachukwu commended Brigade Commanders and manoeuvre commanders for their dedication and sacrifices towards operational successes, urging them not to relent but rather sustain the current momentum.
“Change of command does not change the working environment,” he emphasized, adding that personnel must remain focused on assigned responsibilities despite changes in leadership.
The former GOC also appreciated the Division’s clergymen for their moral and spiritual support throughout his tenure, noting that their contributions would never go unnoticed.
Using a metaphor to encourage perseverance, he remarked that “someone going home does not get tired until he reaches the doorstep of his home,” underscoring the need for continued commitment to ongoing operations.
General Unachukwu expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve and contribute to peace and stability within the Division’s Area of Responsibility in line with the COAS Command Philosophy:
“To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
He further expressed confidence in his successor, citing Brig Gen Diwa’s experience and previous command appointments within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
“I have no doubt that you are fully prepared for the task ahead,” he said while symbolically transferring leadership responsibilities.
Addressing troops of the Division, the outgoing GOC urged them to extend the same loyalty, dedication, and support accorded to him to the incoming Commander.
In his maiden remarks to offiicers of the Division ,, the new GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build upon the achievements of his predecessors.
“I am committed to ensuring that we sustain and enhance the standards of operations and successes for which this Division is known. Together, we will forge new paths, introduce innovative approaches, and strive for transformative outcomes within the theatre of operations,” he said.
Highlights of the event included the signing of handing-over notes, symbolic transfer of the operational flag signifying the assumption of command, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.