The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, redeploying several generals to critical operational and strategic positions as the Service moves to strengthen its response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The Army announced the changes on Wednesday through its official X handle in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, saying the exercise was designed to position officers with the appropriate experience and expertise in key commands.
Approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the postings affect major operational theatres, formations and training institutions, including the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Defence Headquarters and the Army War College Nigeria.
A major change places Maj. Gen. IA Ajose at the helm of Operation HADIN KAI as Theatre Commander, following his redeployment from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the North-East command responsible for counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The former Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. AE Abubakar, has been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research, while Maj. Gen. AM Alechenu has also been redeployed to the centre.
The leadership changes also affect military training and civil-military operations, with Maj. Gen. AM Umar appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria and Maj. Gen. UM Alkali moved from the college to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
At the brigade level, Brig. Gen. MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brig. Gen. MS Sule takes command of 27 Task Force Brigade. Other senior officers were also redeployed to formations including 6 Division Garrison, 2 Division Garrison and Defence Headquarters.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders and other redeployed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and commitment to duty, as the Army seeks to align its command structure with Nigeria’s security realities.
