The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, appointing Major General IA Ajose as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security threats.
Ajose, who previously served at Army Headquarters in the Department of Army Operations, replaces Major General AE Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
The changes were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and announced on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the Army, the redeployments are intended to strengthen leadership, improve operational effectiveness and align the service’s command structure with Nigeria’s changing security environment.
Senior commanders redeployed
The reshuffle affects several senior officers across operational, administrative and strategic positions.
Major General AM Alechenu has moved 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 become Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison.
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Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria after moving from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs. He will be replaced by Major General UM Alkali, who moves from the Army War College to Army Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Major General GS Muhammed has been redeployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser to become Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation. Major General JE Osifo moves from the corporation to become Chairman of the Military Pensions Board.
The reshuffle also affects brigade and divisional commands.
Among the changes, Brigadier General MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule will command the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Focus on security operations
The appointment of Ajose is particularly significant because Operation Hadin Kai remains a major military campaign against Boko Haram and other armed groups in north-east Nigeria.
The Army said the new commanders had been tasked with demonstrating professionalism, operational innovation and strong leadership while improving coordination between military formations and other security agencies.
Shaibu also charged the officers to remain committed to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army said the new leadership structure would help improve operational outcomes and strengthen its ability to respond to both existing and emerging security threats across the country.
