The Nigerian Army has announced a fresh redeployment of senior officers, moving generals across key operational commands, training institutions and strategic departments.

The latest shake-up includes the appointment of Major General IA Ajose as the new commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, the military formation leading operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the North-East.

Ajose was transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to take charge of the operation, one of the Army’s most important operational theatres.

He replaces Major General AE Abubakar, who has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.

The Army said the redeployments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness and align the service’s leadership structure with the country’s changing security situation.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the exercise was aimed at placing officers with the required leadership experience and expertise in critical operational and strategic positions.

The changes extend beyond Operation HADIN KAI, with several senior officers receiving new appointments across the Army’s 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.

Major General RT Utsaha has been transferred from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to the Defence Headquarters Garrison, where he will serve as commander.

The Army War College Nigeria will also get a new commandant. Major General AM Umar has been appointed to replace Major General UM Alkali, who is moving from the college to the Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Major General GS Muhammed is leaving the Office of the National Security Adviser for the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, where he will serve as Director General.

Major General JE Osifo, who is moving from the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, has been appointed chairman of the Military Pension Board.

The Army’s logistics structure is also affected by the redeployment. Major General IE Ekpenyong is moving to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.

Several brigadier generals have also been reassigned as part of the exercise.

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.

Brigadier General MS Sule is moving from Special Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to command 27 Task Force Brigade.

Brigadier General I Sule is leaving the Directorate of Recruitment Management to become Commander of 6 Division Garrison.

Brigadier General E Azenda has also been transferred from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to command 2 Division Garrison, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje takes over at the simulation centre as Director of Administration.

Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders and senior officers to justify the confidence placed in them through professional conduct, improved operational performance and commitment to their responsibilities.

He directed them to remain focused on the Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The latest redeployment comes less than a year after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered significant changes in Nigeria’s military leadership and appointed Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff in October 2025.

Shaibu assumed office on November 5, 2025, becoming the 25th Chief of Army Staff. He succeeded Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was appointed Chief of Defence Staff.

The leadership changes came amid continued security challenges across several parts of the country.

In the North-East, the military continues to conduct operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents, while banditry and kidnapping remain major concerns in parts of the North-West and North-Central.

After taking over as Army chief, Shaibu placed renewed emphasis on offensive operations against terrorist groups.

During his first operational visit to Borno in November 2025, he told troops that the campaign against terrorists required a different approach and said failure was not an option.

He also said new platforms and combat support equipment had been provided to support the renewed offensive.