The Nigerian Army has announced a major shake-up of its senior command structure, redeploying a number of generals to critical operational, formation, training and strategic positions as the military intensifies efforts to confront Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
The sweeping postings, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shaibu, affect some of the Army’s most strategic commands and institutions, including Operation HADIN KAI, Defence Headquarters, Army formations, the Army War College and the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
The Army said the exercise is designed to inject fresh leadership into critical areas, strengthen operational effectiveness and ensure that officers with the requisite experience and expertise are deployed where they are most needed.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, disclosed the changes in a statement on Wednesday.
Ajose Takes Over Operation HADIN KAI
One of the biggest changes is the deployment of Major General IA Ajose from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to become the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, the Army’s major counter-insurgency operation in the region.
He takes over from Major General AE Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Major General AM Alechenu has also been moved from the Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Meanwhile, Major General RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to the Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander.
Major Changes at War College, Civil-Military Affairs
The reshuffle also sees Major General AM Umar move from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.
His place at the Department of Civil-Military Affairs will be taken by Major General UM Alkali, who moves from the Army War College Nigeria.
In another major strategic posting, Major General GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General.
Major General JE Osifo, who previously served at the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, has been redeployed to the Military Pension Board as Chairman.
The Army has also appointed Major General IE Ekpenyong as Director, Engineering Services, at the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics.
Brigade, Division Commands Also Affected
Several brigadier generals have equally received new operational assignments.
Brigadier General AA Bello moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations.
Brigadier General MS Adamu leaves the Nigerian Army Women Command to assume command of the newly established 8 Brigade.
Brigadier General MS Sule has been redeployed from the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, to become Commander of 27 Brigade.
At 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General I Sule takes over as Commander after his transfer from the Directorate of Recruitment Management.
Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to command 2 Division Garrison.
Following the change, Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.
The Army said the redeployments are aimed at ensuring that “the right leadership, experience and expertise” are positioned across critical operational theatres and strategic appointments.
The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation and professionalism.
He further tasked them to remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The latest shake-up comes as the Nigerian military continues to adjust its operational and command structures in response to the country’s complex and changing security environment.
