JUST IN: Army redeploys senior officers in major command reshuffle
The Nigerian Army has redeployed several senior officers to key command and operational positions as part of efforts to strengthen its effectiveness and response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, approved the postings, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
Under the new arrangement, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose moves 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, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to the Army War College Nigeria as Commandant, while Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General.
Other appointments include Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo, who moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, and Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong, who moves to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.
At the brigade level, Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brig.-Gen. MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace to 27 Task Force Brigade. Brig.-Gen. I. Sule moves to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. E. Azenda moves to 2 Division Garrison.
The Army said the postings were designed to deploy leadership, experience and expertise to critical operational and strategic positions. Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism and operational innovation, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and improving its response to emerging security threats.
