Army moves senior commanders in fresh security shake-up

The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers as part of efforts to improve command effectiveness and strengthen ongoing operations against security threats across the country.

The postings were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

Under the new arrangement, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose has been transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to take charge as Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.

His predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.

Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar has also been redeployed from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed, formerly with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is now the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.

Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo, who previously headed the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, has been appointed Chairman of the Military Pension Board, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong moves to Defence Headquarters as Director, Engineering Services, in the Department of Defence Logistics.

The Army also approved new appointments at the brigade and formation levels as part of the wider command restructuring.

Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu, formerly of the Nigerian Army Women Command, has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade.

Brig.-Gen. MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to command the 27 Task Force Brigade, while Brig.-Gen. I. Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to become Commander of the 6 Division Garrison.

Brig.-Gen. E Azenda has also been redeployed from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to the 2 Division Garrison.

The Army said the postings were intended to deploy experienced officers with the appropriate expertise to strategic commands, operational theatres and other critical formations.

According to the statement, the exercise forms part of the Army’s efforts to adapt its command structure to the changing security situation and improve its ability to respond to emerging threats.

Shaibu tasked the newly appointed commanders with demonstrating professionalism, innovation and effective leadership in their new assignments.

He urged them to uphold the Army’s responsibility to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The COAS said the Army would continue to pursue a flexible leadership and force-employment strategy designed to improve operational results and strengthen coordination with other security agencies.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to expanding its capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging security challenges in line with the country’s national security objectives.