In a major leadership shake-up aimed at strengthening ongoing operations against Boko Haram and other security threats, the Nigerian Army has appointed Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
   
Ajose, who previously served at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, takes over the strategic command as the army repositions senior officers across key operational theatres and formations.
   
His redeployment to OPHK is particularly significant given the strategic importance of the Northeast theatre in the military’s counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the region.
   
In a statement, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Apolonia Anele, said the redeployments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership and align its command structure with the country’s evolving security environment.
   
Under the new postings, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar, who previously headed the OPHK, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.
   
Maj.-Gen. AM Alechenu has also been redeployed from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison to the NAHFC, while Maj.-Gen. RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to become Commander, DHQ Garrison.
   
The latest leadership changes come as its formations continue to conduct operations against insurgents and other armed groups across the country, with the Northeast remaining one of the military’s major operational priorities.
   
In another major appointment, Maj.-Gen AM Umar moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to become Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN).
   
He will be replaced at the Department of Civil-Military Affairs by Maj.-Gen. UM Alkali, who moves from the Army War College Nigeria to the Army Headquarters.
   
Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed has also been redeployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC) as Director-General.
   
Among others, Maj.-Gen. JE Osifo moves from NAFIC to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.