The Nigerian Army has appointed Major General IA Ajose as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in a major shake-up of its senior leadership aimed at strengthening ongoing operations against Boko Haram and other security threats.

Ajose, who previously served at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, takes over the strategic command of Operation Hadin Kai as the Army repositions senior officers across key operational theatres and formations.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in a statement said the redeployments were approved by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General 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, Major General AE Abubakar, who previously headed Operation Hadin Kai, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

Major General AM Alechenu has also been redeployed from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison to the NAHFC, while Major General RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to become Commander, DHQ Garrison.

The Army’s 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, Major General 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 Major General UM Alkali, who moves from the Army War College Nigeria to the Army Headquarters.

Major General 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.

Major General JE Osifo moves from NAFIC to the Military Pension Board as Chairman, while Major General IE Ekpenyong has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.

The reshuffle also affects several brigade and divisional commands.

Brigadier General AA Bello moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Operations.

Brigadier General MS Adamu has been redeployed from the Nigerian Army Women Command to command the newly established 8 Brigade, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace to become Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade.

Brigadier General I Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to become Commander, 6 Division Garrison.

Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to become Commander, 2 Division Garrison, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from the 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.

The Army said the postings were intended to ensure that the right leadership, experience and expertise were deployed to critical operational theatres and strategic appointments.

Shaibu charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.

He urged the officers to remain focused on the Army’s constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

The COAS tasked the officers with strengthening operational outcomes, improving joint and inter-agency coordination and enhancing the Army’s ability to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging security threats.

The Army said it remained committed to sustaining a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework capable of advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.

The redeployment of Ajose to Operation Hadin Kai 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.