The Nigerian Army has carried out a major reshuffle of its senior officers, affecting the leadership of key formations and operational commands across the country.
The changes include the appointment of a new Theatre Commander for the North-East, where troops are engaged in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
Army spokesperson Colonel Appolonia Anele announced the redeployments in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
She disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the new postings involving several Major Generals and Brigadier Generals.
New commander for Operation Hadin Kai
Major General IA Ajose has been appointed Theatre Commander of the Theatre Command Joint Task Force North East, which oversees Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Operation Hadin Kai remains the Nigerian Army’s major counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and affiliated terrorist organisations operating in the North-East.
Ajose previously served at Army Headquarters in the Department of Army Operations before his new appointment.
His predecessor, Major General AE Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), where he will take up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.
More Major Generals redeployed
The latest reshuffle also affects several other strategic positions within the Nigerian Army.
Major General AM Umar has been appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, taking over from Major General UM Alkali.
Alkali has, in turn, moved to Army Headquarters, where he will head the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Major General GS Muhammed has left the Office of the National Security Adviser to become Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
Meanwhile, Major General JE Osifo has been moved from the finance corporation to become Chairman of the Military Pension Board.
Major General RT Utsaha has also been posted to the Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander. He replaces Major General AM Alechenu, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Another senior officer, Major General IE Ekpenyong, has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.
Brigadier Generals affected
The reshuffle also extends to the rank of Brigadier General, with several officers receiving new assignments.
Brigadier General MS Adamu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade after moving from the Nigerian Army Women Command.
Brigadier General MS Sule will now command the 27 Task Force Brigade after his transfer from the Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE.
Brigadier General AA Bello has moved from the 6 Division Garrison to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations.
Brigadier General I Sule has been posted to the 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brigadier General E Azenda will take charge of the 2 Division Garrison.
Brigadier General AS Bugaje, who previously commanded the 2 Division Garrison, has been transferred to the Land Forces Simulation Centre, where he will serve as Director of Administration.
Army chief gives charge to newly posted officers
Following the redeployments, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged the affected officers to approach their new assignments with professionalism and effective leadership.
He also reminded them of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and assist civil authorities in maintaining national security.
