The Nigerian Army has approved a major reshuffling of its senior leadership, with Major General RT Utsaha appointed Commander, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison, as part of measures to strengthen operational effectiveness and Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The redeployment, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, affects key command, operational and staff appointments across the Service.
Gen Utsaha, who previously served at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, takes over at DHQ Garrison, while Major General AM Alechenu moves from the DHQ Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
In one of the major operational changes, Major General IA Ajose moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, as Theatre Commander.
His predecessor, Major General AE Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Also affected by the reshuffle, Major General AM Umar moves from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, while Major General UM Alkali moves from the War College to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Major General GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General, while Major General JE Osifo moves from NAFIC to the Military Pension Board as Chairman.
At the brigade level, 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.
The Army also redeployed Brigadier General I Sule to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, Brigadier General E Azenda to 2 Division Garrison as Commander, and Brigadier General AS Bugaje to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director of Administration.
The COAS charged the newly appointed commanders to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.
He tasked them to remain focused on the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.
The Army said the latest postings were designed to place the right leadership, experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments, while improving joint and inter-agency coordination and the Service’s capacity to respond decisively to emerging security threats.
