The Nigerian Army has approved a fresh round of senior-level postings, moving a number of generals and brigadier generals to key operational and administrative positions as part of efforts to strengthen its response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The reshuffle was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, with the Army saying the exercise was intended to improve command effectiveness and deploy officers with relevant experience to strategic positions.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed the changes in a statement shared on the Army’s X handle on Wednesday.
According to Anele, the postings focused particularly on critical operational theatres and strategic appointments, with the objective of ensuring that the “right leadership, experience and expertise” are deployed where they are most needed.
One of the major changes is in the North-East, where Major General IA Ajose has been appointed Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
Ajose was previously at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations.
Major General AE Abubakar, who served under Operation HADIN KAI, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Major General AM Alechenu has also been posted to the Heritage and Future Centre from Defence Headquarters Garrison, while Major General RT Utsaha has moved from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to become Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison.
The Army War College Nigeria will have Major General AM Umar as its new Commandant. Umar was transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, while Major General UM Alkali has moved from the college to take up a new role in Civil-Military Affairs.
Other senior appointments include the redeployment of Major General GS Muhammed from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General.
Major General JE Osifo has been posted from the Finance Corporation to chair the Military Pension Board, while Major General IE Ekpenyong has moved to Defence Headquarters as Director, Engineering Services, in the Department of Defence Logistics.
The latest postings also affected the command of several formations and brigades.
Brigadier General AA Bello has been transferred 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 appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade after his redeployment from the Nigerian Army Women Command.
Brigadier General MS Sule will take charge of 27 Task Force Brigade after moving from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE.
Also, Brigadier General I Sule has been transferred from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to command 6 Division Garrison.
At 2 Division Garrison, Brigadier General E Azenda has assumed command following his redeployment from the Land Forces Simulation Centre.
Brigadier General AS Bugaje, who previously commanded 2 Division Garrison, has in turn been posted to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.
The Chief of Army Staff tasked all the affected officers to demonstrate exemplary leadership and professionalism in their new assignments.
Shaibu also urged them to embrace operational innovation and remain committed to the Army's constitutional responsibilities, including defending Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army said the restructuring was designed to keep its leadership and force-employment framework responsive to emerging threats while improving coordination with other security agencies.
It added that the latest postings were expected to strengthen operational effectiveness and advance the country's national security objectives.
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