Kaduna: Major General Godwin Mutkut has officially assumed command as Nigeria’s 59th Infantry Corps Commander, marking a pivotal leadership transition in one of the Army’s most strategic formations.
Lt.-Col. Ajemasu Jingina, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji, announced this in a statement issued in Kaduna.
Jingina said, “In a significant reshuffle within the Nigerian Army (NA) aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, Mutkut has officially assumed command as the 59th Commander of the Infantry Corps.”
He stated that the transition ceremony took place on Thursday at the Corps Headquarters, located in the Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
According to him, the event also marked the formal handover from the outgoing Commander, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, who had concluded his active military service after a distinguished career within the NA and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He said the outgoing Commander, in his farewell address at the Infantry Headquarters conference room, expressed profound gratitude to God for fulfilling his military journey.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting him with the critical role of Commander Infantry Corps(CIC).
Yusuf commended the officers, soldiers, and civilian personnel for their unwavering support during his tenure, emphasising that their cooperation played a crucial role in the successes achieved.
He urged the corps to maintain its commitment and support for his successor.
Jingina said the new Commander expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for guiding him through his military career.
He acknowledged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with this vital command and expressed commitment to building on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Mutkut vowed to advance the professional standards of the elite corps of Infantry, equipping them to confront contemporary security challenges and foster a safer Nigeria.
He encouraged officers and soldiers to maintain professionalism and dedication in their duties, pledging to adopt an inclusive and open-door leadership approach.
He said various dignitaries, including Maj.-Gen attended the ceremony. FS Etim, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry and Brig. Gen. AM Umar, Commandant of the Warrant Officers’ Academy.
Brig.-Gen also attended it. UF Abubakar, Director of Standards and Evaluation Headquarters, Infantry Corps Centre, along with other senior officers and directors.