ABUJA — The Nigerian Army has announced a sweeping redeployment of senior officers to key command and operational positions in a strategic move aimed at bolstering the nation’s response to mounting security challenges across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the reshuffle to ensure that the right leadership, experience and expertise are positioned in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The exercise, the statement said, was designed to realign the Army’s command structure with Nigeria’s evolving security environment while strengthening operational effectiveness and ensuring decisive effects in key areas of national security.
Key Appointments
In the most significant change, Major General IA Ajose has been moved from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to take command of the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), as Theatre Commander.
Major General AE Abubakar, who previously served in OPHK, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
Major General AM Alechenu moves from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha transitions from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to become Commander of the DHQ Garrison.
War College and Civil-Military Affairs
Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), moving from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA). His predecessor at the War College, Major General UM Alkali, has been redeployed to take over the DCMA portfolio.
Finance and Pension Reassignments
Major General GS Muhammed has been appointed Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC), moving from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). His predecessor, Major General JE Osifo, has been redeployed to chair the Military Pension Board (MPB).
Meanwhile, Major General IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.
Operational Level Changes
At the operational level, 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 has been redeployed from the Nigerian Army Women Command to take command of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, to 27 Task Force Brigade as Commander.
Additionally, Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to command 2 Division Garrison, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje transitions from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.
COAS Charges New Appointees
The Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.
General Shaibu urged the officers to remain focused on the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework capable of enhancing operational outcomes, strengthening joint and inter-agency coordination and improving the Service’s capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging threats.
The latest redeployments, the statement concluded, would further contribute to the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
