The Nigerian Army has launched another major realignment of its senior command structure.
The new redeployment involves the movement of generals across frontline operations, formations, training institutions and strategic departments.
Also, a new commander has been appointed to lead the military’s campaign against insurgents in the North-East.
At the centre of the latest changes is Major General IA Ajose, who has been transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to take charge of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.
The operation is one of the Army’s most critical operational theatres.
Ajose’s appointment places him at the head of the command responsible for military operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The redeployment was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and adjust the Army’s leadership structure to the country’s changing security environment, the Army said.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the latest exercise was designed to place the appropriate “leadership, experience and expertise” in critical operational and strategic positions.
Ajose replaces Major General AE Abubakar, who has been moved from Operation HADIN KAI to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
There, he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
The changes extend beyond the North-East, with the Army also moving senior officers between command, training, civil-military, logistics, financial and administrative establishments.
Major General AM Alechenu is moving from the Defence Headquarters Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha leaves the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation for the Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander.
Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, replacing Major General UM Alkali, who is moving from the College to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
His successor at the Military Pension Board will be Major General JE Osifo, who moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to become Chairman of the Board.
His successor at the Military Pension Board will be Major General JE Osifo, who moves from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation to become Chairman of the Board.
The latest postings also affect the Army’s logistics structure, with Major General IE Ekpenyong moving to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.
At the brigadier general level, Brigadier General AA Bello is moving from 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3, Joint Task Force 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 after leaving the Nigerian Army Women Command, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to command 27 Task Force Brigade.
Brigadier General I Sule is also leaving the Directorate of Recruitment Management for 6 Division Garrison as Commander.
The reshuffle further moves Brigadier General E Azenda from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to command 2 Division Garrison, with Brigadier General AS Bugaje taking over at the Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.