Major General Zakari Abubakar has taken over as the commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, from Major General Markus Kangye.
The Assistant Director Army Public Relations Officer, Captain Adekunle Adeyemi, in a statement, said the formal handover ceremony marking a new chapter for the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, took place on Thursday at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Conference Hall
He said that during his inaugural address, Major General Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Corps of Artillery.
He pledged to build upon the successes achieved by his predecessor, Major General Markus Kangye, ensuring that the Corps remains composed of professional gunners, combat-ready to fulfil their duties in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
Major General Abubakar also conveyed his deep appreciation to Major General Kangye, underscoring his intent to maintain a strong relationship with his predecessor.
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“General Kangye has been a source of strength and guidance throughout his tenure, and I am honoured to continue building on the solid foundation he has laid,” he remarked.
Emphasising the importance of mentorship, Major General Abubakar announced his intention to seek General Kangye’s mentorship to further nurture growth within the Corps.
The new Commander outlined several key priorities for his leadership, focusing on the maintenance of guns and equipment, training, and the welfare of Artillery officers and soldiers, both serving and retired. He reassured personnel that their well-being would be prioritised, with strategic initiatives to enhance training programmes.
“The new Commander outlined key priorities for his leadership, focusing on the maintenance of Guns and equipment, training, and welfare of Artillery officers/soldiers both serving and retired. He reassured personnel that their well-being is paramount and that strategic initiatives will be implemented to enhance training programmes,” noted the statement.
In a moving statement, he expressed his commitment to “nourish the legacy left by General Kangye,” recognising the diverse achievements within the Corps and vowing to preserve both its time-honoured traditions and its innovative strategies, which will propel the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery forward.
The statement added that the new Commander also articulated a clear and ambitious mission statement aimed at “repositioning the Nigerian Army Corps Of Artillery to provide superior firepower in support Of Nigerian Army Operations in alignment with the COAS command philosophy'” .
He further emphasised the critical need to align the Corps’ firepower capabilities with strategic objectives, thereby enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
The Commander called on all officers and soldiers of the Corps to fully support his mission. He stressed that the success of this transition depended heavily on teamwork, commitment, and a shared dedication to excellence across all ranks. An atmosphere of collaboration, he affirmed, is vital to ensuring that the Corps provides timely and effective support to the COAS in achieving the broader military goals.
In his farewell address, the outgoing Commander, Major General Markus Kangye, emphasised the importance of unity and the critical role officers play in supporting the new Commander. He encouraged open communication, urging officers to share information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, as every piece of intelligence contributes to the larger mission.
General Kangye also urged officers to demonstrate both physical courage and moral integrity. He reminded them that true leadership requires making difficult decisions and standing firm in challenging circumstances, while upholding the ethical standards expected of military leaders.
The ceremony began with the formal signing of the handover note, symbolising the official transfer of command and the trust placed in the new Commander.
Following the signing, a ceremonial moment took place as Major General Abubakar was adorned with the Corps’ insignia and presented with the Artillery flag of office. The flag, representing authority and leadership, was handed over in a dignified ceremony.
Both the outgoing and incoming commanders addressed the officers, soldiers, and Barracks community, including the Magajiyas.
The ceremony concluded with a joint inspection of the Quarter Guard by both Commanders.
The handover ceremony ended with an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie as General Kangye received heartfelt tributes from the officers, soldiers of HQ NACA, and the Barracks community, who celebrated his leadership and the transformation he spearheaded in the Kontagora Military Cantonment.
