AANI Congratulates Major General Adebayo Babalola on His Appointment as GOC, 81 Division Nigerian Army

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), under the leadership of Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, has extended warm congratulations to Major General Adebayo Babalola, mni (SEC 42, 2020), on his appointment as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos. The appointment followed the approval of a major redeployment of senior officers by the Chief of Army Staff on 3rd January 2026, during which Major General Babalola was reassigned from his previous role at the Defence Headquarters (DAPP) to assume command of the strategically important 81 Division. Major General Babalola brings to this position a wealth of operational and strategic experience. He previously served as Director of Plans at Army Headquarters, where, in mid-2024, he represented the Chief of Army Staff at several national-level engagements. He also served as Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, providing strong and effective leadership until April 2024. The AANI leadership described the appointment as well deserved and expressed confidence in Major General Babalola’s capacity to provide exemplary leadership in his new role. The Association wished him success as he undertakes this important responsibility in service to the nation.