The new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, has assumed duty with a pledge to make the fight against Boko Haram insurgency his priority.

Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Texas Chukwu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.

He said Umaru took over from his predecessor, Maj.- Gen. Fatai Alli, who was posted to army headquarters.

The statement quoted the new GOC as emphasising the need for all officers and soldiers to put in more efforts in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents.

He said that time and era of troops waiting for the insurgents to attack first had gone.

The statement said Umaru also urged the soldiers to continue to engage the terrorists in their camps and hideouts within and outside the state.

It added that after addressing the officers and soldiers at Jos cantonment, Umaru relocated to Damaturu.

“While in Damaturu he will address the troops at their various locations and look into their immediate problems.

“He will also use the opportunity to visit Yola where he will address the officers and soldiers to boost their moral and encourage them in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. TY Buratai.