The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, has charged the newly appointed Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion, Serti, Lieutenant Colonel Sabiu Mohammed, to sustain the unit’s operational excellence and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed officially assumed command of the battalion on June 16, 2026, following the death of the former Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye, who passed away on June 13 after a brief illness.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Brigadier General Akaliro urged officers and soldiers of the battalion to honour the memory of the late commander by remaining disciplined, dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the deceased officer, while prayers were offered for the repose of his soul and for strength and comfort for his family.
The Brigade Commander congratulated Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed on his appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to provide effective leadership. He charged the new commanding officer to uphold professionalism, foster unity among personnel and maintain the battalion’s operational readiness in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
Brigadier General Akaliro also assured the new commander of the full support of the Brigade Headquarters and called on officers and soldiers of 20 Model Battalion to accord him their loyalty and cooperation to ensure the continued success of the unit’s operations.
In his response, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to consolidate the gains recorded under his predecessor and work closely with all personnel to enhance the battalion’s operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment.