Army redeploys senior officers in major command reshuffle

The Nigerian Army has approved the redeployment of several senior officers to key command, operational and staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen its response to the country’s evolving security challenges.

The exercise, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, strengthening leadership and ensuring that experienced officers are deployed to critical theatres and strategic appointments.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the redeployments were designed to position the right leadership and expertise for improved operational outcomes.

Major General IA Ajose has been moved from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander.

His predecessor, Major General AE Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

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Other senior appointments include Major General AM Alechenu, who moves from Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander.

Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, moving from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General UM Alkali takes over at the Department of Civil-Military Affairs from the Army War College.

Major General GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General, while Major General JE Osifo moves from the corporation to the Military Pension Board as Chairman.

Major General IE Ekpenyong has also been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.

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 becomes Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule takes over as Commander of 27 Brigade.

The Army said other redeployments include Brigadier General I Sule to 6 Division Garrison as Commander and Brigadier General E Azenda to 2 Division Garrison as Commander.

Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.

The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through professional leadership, operational innovation and commitment to the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.