ABUJA — The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major leadership reshuffle across top operational and strategic commands, appointing Major General IA Ajose as the new Theatre Commander for Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
The redeployment—announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, through the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele—is designed to strengthen operational command structures, enhance inter-agency coordination, and boost counter-insurgency momentum against Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants in the North-East.
Under the strategic realignments, Major General Ajose moves to the Theatre Command from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations. He succeeds Major General AE Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
Key Operational Postings and Strategic Appointments
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North-East Counter-Insurgency Leadership: Major General IA Ajose assumes overall operational command of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri to direct frontline combat operations against terrorists.
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Training & Academic Institutions: Major General AM Umar transfers from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to serve as Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, replacing Major General UM Alkali, who takes over the Civil-Military Affairs portfolio.
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Garrison & Defence Commands: Major General RT Utsaha moves to Defence Headquarters Garrison as Commander, while Major General GS Muhammed transfers from the Office of the National Security Adviser to serve as Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
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Pensions & Logistics Administration: Major General JE Osifo assumes office as Chairman of the Military Pension Board, while Major General IE Ekpenyong moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Engineering Services.
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Brigade-Level Tactical Commands: At the tactical formation level, Brigadier General MS Adamu has been named Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule takes command of the 27 Task Force Brigade.
