The Nigerian Army has redeployed senior officers to key command and operational positions to strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance its response to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic postings, according to a statement by Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on Wednesday.
Under the new arrangement, “Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose moves from Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander.”
“Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Theatre Commander, moves to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.”
Other senior appointments include “Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, who moves from Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to Army War College Nigeria as Commandant.”
“Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General.”
“Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong moves to Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.”
The Army also announced several brigade-level appointments aimed at strengthening operational and formation commands.
“Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu moves from Nigerian Army Women Command to the newly established 8 Brigade as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to 27 Task Force Brigade.”
“Brig.-Gen. I. Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison.”
According to the statement, “the postings were designed to place the right leadership, experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments. It said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to align the Army’s command structure with the country’s evolving security environment.”
Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation and professionalism.
He urged them to “remain committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security.”
The COAS said “the Army remained committed to a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework that would improve operational outcomes and strengthen joint and inter-agency coordination. He pledged to enhance its capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging threats in furtherance of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”