The immediate past GOC 8 Div, Major General Ibikunle Ajose in a photograph with his succecor, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna. Photo: Nigeria ArmyThe outgoing General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has listed the rescue of more than 1,000 kidnap victims as a major operational success during his 18-month tenure, alongside the recovery of weapons and the disruption of bandit networks across the North-West. “In 2025 alone, we recovered over 200 weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and rescued more than 1,000 victims,” he said. “Schools, employment opportunities, worship centres, and security infrastructure were similarly enhanced.”The incoming GOC, Major General Bemgha Koughna, praised Ajose’s performance, describing 8 Division as a “shining example” in operational assessments. PUNCH Online reports that Ajose has been redeployed to Abuja for his next assignment and urged troops to extend even greater support to his successor.

Source: Punch January 16, 2026 13:01 UTC