COAS Waidi Shaibu Redeploys Generals, Brigadier Generals to Key Command and Staff Positions
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, redeploying several generals and brigadier generals to key operational, command and staff positions across the Service.
The postings, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and aligning the Army’s leadership structure with Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the exercise prioritised critical operational theatres and strategic appointments to ensure the deployment of the “right leadership, experience and expertise.”
Major General IA Ajose has been redeployed from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander.
Major General AE Abubakar, formerly with Operation HADIN KAI, moves to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research, while Major General AM Alechenu moves from Defence Headquarters Garrison to the same centre.
Major General RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander, while Major General AM Umar becomes Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.
Other key appointments include Major General UM Alkali to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs and Major General GS Muhammed to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General.
Major General JE Osifo has been appointed Chairman of the Military Pension Board, while Major General IE Ekpenyong moves to Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.
At the brigade level, Brigadier General MS Adamu becomes Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule takes over as Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade. Brigadier General I Sule becomes Commander, 6 Division Garrison, while Brigadier General E Azenda becomes Commander, 2 Division Garrison.
Brigadier General AA Bello has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.
The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them through “exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.”
He urged them to remain focused on the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army said the reshuffle is part of efforts to maintain a dynamic leadership and force-employment structure capable of improving operational outcomes, strengthening joint and inter-agency coordination, and responding effectively to emerging security threats.