The Nigerian Army has redeployed several senior officers to key command and operational positions as part of efforts to strengthen military operations and improve the country’s response to evolving security threats.
The changes were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and announced in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday.
Under the new arrangement, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose has moved from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to become the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.
His predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
ALSO RREAD Army deploys AI simulation technology to strengthen counter-terrorism operations
Other senior officers affected by the reshuffle include Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, who has moved from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed has also moved from the Office of the National Security Adviser to become Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, while Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo, formerly of the Finance Corporation, has been appointed Chairman of the Military Pension Board.
Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.
The Army also announced new brigade-level appointments, including the deployment of Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu as Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. MS Sule has moved from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to 27 Task Force Brigade, while Brig.-Gen. I. Sule has been appointed Commander of 6 Division Garrison. Brig.-Gen. E Azenda has also moved to 2 Division Garrison.
Reasons for redeployment
According to the Army, the reshuffle is intended to place officers with the appropriate leadership experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments.
The service said the exercise forms part of efforts to align its command structure with Nigeria’s changing security environment and improve operational effectiveness.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to demonstrate professionalism, innovation and exemplary leadership, while remaining committed to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also said the Army would continue to adopt a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework aimed at improving operational outcomes and strengthening coordination with other security agencies.
The Chief of Army Staff pledged that the service would continue to build its capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging security threats in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
