By Okojie Annabelle Ofure
September 10 2026
The Nigerian Army has undertaken a major reshuffle of its senior leadership, redeploying 16 Major Generals and several Brigadier Generals to strategic command, operational and administrative positions nationwide.
The postings, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, include the appointment of Major General IA Ajose as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Ajose, who was previously at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, assumes responsibility for the Northeast theatre as the military sustains its campaign against insurgency and other security threats in the region.
Under the new arrangement, Major General AE Abubakar, formerly with OPHK, has been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Major General AM Alechenu has also moved to the centre from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, while Major General RT Utsaha becomes Commander of the DHQ Garrison after his redeployment from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation.
Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, following his transfer from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General UM Alkali will take over at the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Also affected by the reshuffle is Major General GS Muhammed, who moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director-General.
Major General JE Osifo has been posted from NAFIC to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, while Major General IE Ekpenyong assumes the position of Director, Engineering Services, at the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics.
At the brigade level, Brigadier General AA Bello moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 JTF South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations.
Brigadier General MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from Operation ENDURING PEACE to command 27 Task Force Brigade.
Brigadier General I Sule becomes Commander of 6 Division Garrison, while Brigadier General E Azenda takes over as Commander of 2 Division Garrison.
His predecessor, Brigadier General AS Bugaje, has been redeployed to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, disclosed the changes in a statement on Wednesday, saying the exercise was part of efforts to sharpen operational effectiveness and place officers with relevant experience in positions critical to national security.
The Army said the reshuffle would also strengthen joint and inter-agency cooperation while improving its capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through professional conduct, innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to duty.
He reminded them of the Army’s constitutional responsibility to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as support civil authorities in preserving peace and security.
The Army said the latest appointments reflect its continued effort to maintain a flexible leadership and force-employment structure capable of advancing Nigeria’s national security priorities.
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