.... GOC 1 Division Commissions Newly Constructed 1 Division Garrison Gate Named After Late Maj Sa Oni
The Nigerian military has on 30 January 2024 immortalized late Major SA Oni who was among the Special Forces team who had an encounter with terrorists somewhere in Niger State. Although, they gave the terrorists huge blow, but some officers and men including the DHQ SF Commanding Officer, Major SA Oni paid the Supreme price.
The General Officer Commanding(GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army(NA) and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Maj Gen VU Okoro commissioned a newly constructed 1 Division Garrison main gate named after late Maj SA Oni who paid the supreme price in the line of duty on 13 August 2023 in Niger State.
Major Oni was respected by his soldiers, and completed difficult tasks assigned by superiors with distinction. He was a highly industrious Infantry Officer who had undergone further training in several spheres of Special Forces operations.
He had certifications in Special Purpose Counter Terrorism and Ranger from Belarus, Special Forces Airborne Training from Fort Bragg, USA, Special Forces Reconnaissance from Fort Scorpio in South Africa, PI Commanders Battle from Brecon, UK as well as Humanitarian Security and Risk Management, Contemporary Intelligence Gathering, and Information Security all from Switzerland.
Oni, during his sojourn in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which began with his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2011, traversed all the theaters and centers of gravity in Nigeria. He was still a cadet in July 2009 when the Boko Haram insurgency started, but has paid his dues having participated in the Operation Lafiya Dole (now Operation Hadin Kai) after his commission. He had also served in the following operations: OP NUT CRACKER, OPSH, OP RESTORE PEACE, OPTS, OP CETO DOLE, OP FOREST SANITY and OP WHIRL PUNCH.
Oni’s stint in life and service has been brief but hugely impactful, leaving indelible footprints in all spheres. Like a northern star, he shone everywhere he served, with discipline, humility and candor
In his remarks during the commissioning ceremony, the GOC commended the Commander 1 Division Garrison Brig Gen C Ogbuabo for the impact he has made in the Division since his assumption of duty especially in the area of infrastructural development.
He expressed his joy over the transformation that has taken place in 1 Division Garrison and also commended him for immense roles and contribution in the operational successes recorded by the Division.
He specially thanked and commended Brig Gen Ogbuabo for the for recognizing and immortalizing late Maj SA Oni by naming the newly constructed Garrison main gate after the late senior officer.
He stated that late Maj SA Oni's death touched everyone that knew him, describing the late senior officer as a disciplined, unassuming and very exceptional officer of the NA and deserves the recognition.
He prayed God to grant him eternal rest and continue to protect and preserve the family he left behind.
Highpoint of the event were inspection of quarter guard by the SGOH, cutting of commissioning tape, unveiling of the gate name, unveiling of commissioning plague and portrait of the late senior with a brief citation on him neatly placed by the gate.