Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu has officially assumed duty as the 15th General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division/ Commander of Sector 1, Operation Hadding Kai, following a formal handover ceremony held on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, at the Division’s Headquarters in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
A statement issued to journalists yesterday in Maiduguri by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col, Ajemasu Yake Jingina, said General Unachukwu, a versatile seasoned senior officer who is known for his combat prowess has held both command, staff and instructional appointments in the Nigerian Army where he performed excellently when he was Commander 21 Special Amoured Brigade Bama.
He said until his recent appointment as the GOC, General Unachukwu’s last appointment was Commander 63 Brigade and Commander Sector 1 South South Operation Delta Save.
“He took over from Major General Abubakar Haruna. During his tenure, General Haruna was credited with notable strides which enhanced the security situation in his Area of Responsibility (AOR), which has paved the way for improved socio-economic activities,” the statement reads.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Haruna, who is proceeding to a new role as Director, Future Casting at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre expressed gratitude to God Almighty for a successful tenure.
He also appreciated the dedication and support of officers and soldiers under his command.
He described his successor as a seasoned senior officer with vast operational experience and a better understanding of the situation and the terrain.
He expressed confidence that General Unachukwu would build on the existing successes and continue to confront the menace of the security challenges effectively in his Area of Operations.
In his remarks, General Unachukwu described his appointment as a rare privilege and promised to do his best in order to uphold the confidence bestowed in him by the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General OO Oluyede.
He lauded his predecessor’s leadership and achievements and pledged to consolidate on the past gains and intensify efforts to promote peace and stability in his AOR.
He thereafter wished General Haruna continued success and God’s guidance in his new appointment.
Highlights of the ceremony include signing the handing and taking over notes, decorating the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, handing over the command flag, and lowering and hoisting flags, which signifies the end and beginning of an era.
Other activities include, the outgoing GOC’s farewell address to officers and soldiers of the Division, a group photograph, and an inspection of the quarter guard.
