Brigadier General Mohammed Usman has formally assumed office as the 20th Director of Physical Training (Army) following a ceremonial handover held on Monday, 19 January 2026, at the Directorate’s Headquarters.
The handover ceremony, a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army, was attended by principal staff officers, as well as officers and soldiers of the Directorate serving in other formations and units outside the Headquarters, highlighting the importance of the transition.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Emem Lawrence Etuk, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for the opportunity to serve. He praised officers and soldiers of the Directorate for their loyalty, professionalism, and dedication, noting that their collective efforts were central to the achievements recorded during his tenure. Brig Gen Etuk described the Directorate as a close-knit family and encouraged personnel to extend the same level of cooperation and support to his successor.
In his maiden address, Brigadier General Usman reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and teamwork. He assured personnel of his resolve to sustain unity within the Directorate and pledged to align its activities with the COAS’ Command Philosophy, with a focus on enhancing the physical readiness of the Nigerian Army.
The ceremony culminated in the symbolic lowering of Brig Gen Etuk’s command flag and the hoisting of Brig Gen Usman’s flag, officially marking the transfer of command. The smooth transition underscored the Directorate’s tradition of continuity and discipline, and its critical role in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
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