Nigerian Army has announced a major shake-up of its senior command structure, with Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose appointed the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.
Ajose, who was formerly at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, replaces Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
The shake-up, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, affects several senior officers and formations across the country as the Army moves to strengthen its operational capacity and response to evolving security threats.
This was made known in a statement made available to Newsmen on Wednesday, September 9,2026, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
Under the new arrangement, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed, who was serving at the Office of the National Security Adviser, has been appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, while his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Julius Osifo, moves to the Military Pension Board as Chairman.
Also, Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.
Brigade-Level Changes
The Army also announced changes involving several brigade-level commands.
Brig.-Gen. MS Adamu moves from the Nigerian Army Women Command to become Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. MS Sule was redeployed from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to 27 Task Force Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. I. Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to become Commander, 6 Division Garrison, while Brig.-Gen. E. Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison.
The Army said the postings were carefully designed to deploy officers with the requisite leadership experience, expertise and operational capacity to critical commands and strategic appointments.
It said the latest changes were part of efforts to reposition the Army’s command structure in response to the country’s changing security environment.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to justify the confidence reposed in them through professional conduct, innovative leadership and improved operational performance.
He urged the officers to remain focused on protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security across the country.
The COAS further reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to a dynamic leadership and force-employment strategy aimed at delivering improved operational outcomes and strengthening cooperation with other security agencies.
He said the Army would continue to build its capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to existing and emerging security threats in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
