By Harriet Tornguvan
Brigadier General Mohammed Usman has formally assumed office as the 20th Director of Physical Training (Army) following a handing-over ceremony held on January 19, 2026, at the headquarters of the Directorate of Army Physical Training.
The ceremony, in line with Nigerian Army tradition, was attended by principal staff officers as well as representatives of the Directorate serving in various formations and units across the country, highlighting the importance of the leadership transition.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Director, Brigadier General Emem Lawrence Etuk, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for the privilege of serving as Director.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Directorate for their loyalty, dedication and teamwork, which he described as key to the achievements recorded during his tenure.
Brig Gen Etuk urged personnel to extend the same level of cooperation and commitment to his successor, stressing the importance of the Directorate’s strong family spirit.
In his maiden address, Brigadier General Usman assured personnel of his resolve to promote professionalism, unity and teamwork within the Directorate.
He pledged to sustain the existing cohesion and reposition the Directorate to effectively support the COAS’ command philosophy, with a focus on enhancing the physical readiness of Nigerian Army personnel.
The ceremony climaxed with the symbolic lowering of Brig Gen Etuk’s command flag and the hoisting of Brig Gen Usman’s command flag, signifying the formal transfer of authority. The smooth transition underscored the Directorate’s tradition of discipline, continuity and its critical role in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
