Major General Abubakar Wase has formally taken over as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division and Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma.

The assumption of office took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a colourful handover ceremony at the Division’s Headquarters in Kaduna.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Shuaib Umar, Major General Wase officially succeeded Major General Mayirenso Saraso following the recent posting and redeployment exercise approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

The ceremony featured the traditional signing of handover notes, the symbolic decoration of the new GOC with the 1 Division insignia, and a farewell parade in honour of the outgoing commander.