Army Shake-up: COAS Redeploys Senior Officers In New Bid To Tackle Insecurity

The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers to key command and operational roles as part of efforts to boost efficiency and strengthen its response to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

 

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

 

In the new arrangement, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose is moving from the Department of Army Operations at Army Headquarters to lead the Theatre Command Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander. His predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has been reassigned to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre where he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.

 

Other top-level changes include Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, who is leaving the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters for the Army War College Nigeria as Commandant. Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed is moving from the Office of the National Security Adviser to head the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General. Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo will take over as Chairman of the Military Pension Board after leaving the Army Finance Corporation, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Engineering Services in the Department of Defence Logistics.

 

At brigade level, the Army also made strategic appointments. Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu moves from the Nigerian Army Women Command to command the newly created 8 Brigade. Brig.-Gen. MS Sule is redeployed from the Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to 27 Task Force Brigade. Brig.-Gen. I. Sule will now command 6 Division Garrison after leaving the Directorate of Recruitment Management, and Brig.-Gen. E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison.

 

According to the Army, the reshuffle is intended to deploy the right mix of leadership, experience and expertise to critical theatres and strategic positions. Officials said the exercise reflects ongoing efforts to restructure the Army’s command system to match current security realities.

 

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu urged the newly posted officers to live up to expectations by providing purposeful leadership, driving operational innovation, and upholding professionalism. He called on them to remain dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguarding territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities to ensure peace and stability.

 

The COAS added that the Army will continue to adopt a flexible leadership and force deployment model aimed at improving results on the ground and enhancing cooperation with other security agencies. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to building capacity to confront both existing and emerging threats to national security.