Major Reshuffle Rocks Nigerian Army As New Commanders Emerge — Full List

The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffling of senior officers, with several generals and brigadier generals redeployed to key command, operational and administrative positions across the Service.

The changes were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to strengthen leadership, improve operational effectiveness and reposition the Army to better respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, disclosed the latest postings in a statement issued on Wednesday. She explained that the exercise was designed to place officers with the necessary experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic positions.

One of the major changes sees Major General IA Ajose move from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, where he will serve as Theatre Commander.

His predecessor, Major General AE Abubakar, has been redeployed from Operation HADIN KAI to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.

Major General AM Alechenu has also moved from the Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha has been transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to the Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander.

In another major appointment, Major General AM Umar moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to the Army War College Nigeria as Commandant, while Major General UM Alkali moves from the Army War College Nigeria to take over at the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Major General GS Muhammed has been redeployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General. Major General JE Osifo, who previously served at the corporation, will now head the Military Pension Board as Chairman.

Meanwhile, Major General IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.

At the operational level, Brigadier General AA Bello has moved from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations.

Brigadier General MS Adamu has been redeployed from the Nigerian Army Women Command to take charge of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from the Special Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, to become Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade.

Brigadier General I Sule has also been moved from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander. Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.

The Chief of Army Staff charged all the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating strong leadership, professionalism, innovation and an unwavering commitment to duty.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further urged the officers to remain focused on the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army, particularly defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The Army said the latest changes form part of its broader effort to maintain a dynamic leadership and force-employment structure capable of improving operational outcomes, strengthening joint and inter-agency cooperation and enhancing its ability to respond decisively to emerging security threats.