On Thursday, Brigadier General Unachukwu officially assumed office as the 15th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, during a formal handover ceremony held at the Division’s Headquarters in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.

Unachukwu, a seasoned military officer with vast operational experience, takes over from Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, who has been redeployed to the position of Director, Future Casting, at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre. Prior to his new role, Unachukwu served as Commander of the 63 Brigade and Commander of Sector 1 South-South under Operation DELTA SAFE. He was also commended for his outstanding leadership during his tenure as the commander of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade in Bama, Borno State, where he earned recognition for his strategic impact and operational success.

In his farewell address, Maj.-Gen. Haruna expressed his gratitude for a successful tenure and praised the officers and soldiers of the division for their loyalty and hard work. He also spoke highly of his successor, describing Unachukwu as a capable and experienced officer, well-versed in the security challenges of the region. Haruna expressed confidence that Unachukwu would continue the division’s efforts to ensure security and stability in the region.

In his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Unachukwu acknowledged the honor of his new appointment and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the trust placed in him. He pledged to continue the great work done by his predecessor and further strengthen the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the northeast.

The event featured the signing of handover notes, the decoration of Unachukwu with the division’s insignia, and the ceremonial lowering and hoisting of flags. Unachukwu’s appointment marks a new chapter in the division’s efforts to secure the region.

The ceremony also included a group photograph and a quarter guard inspection, signifying the formal transition of leadership and the continuation of efforts to secure the Lake Chad Basin region and other areas within the operation’s scope.