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), in a major reshuffle of senior military leadership.
Ajose, who previously served in the Department of Army Operations at Army Headquarters, takes charge of the Northeast theatre as the military intensifies its campaign against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the region.
The appointment was part of a wider redeployment of senior officers approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. The Army said the changes were designed to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership and ensure its command structure remains suited to the country’s changing security challenges.
The outgoing OPHK Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), where he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research. Maj.-Gen. AM Alechenu has also been posted to the centre from the Defence Headquarters Garrison.
Other senior appointments include Maj.-Gen. RT Utsaha, who moves from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to become Commander of the DHQ Garrison.
The reshuffle also affects the Army War College Nigeria, with Maj.-Gen. AM Umar moving from the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters to become its new Commandant. He will be replaced at Civil-Military Affairs by Maj.-Gen. UM Alkali, who is being redeployed from the Army War College.
Elsewhere, Maj.-Gen. GS Muhammed has moved from the Office of the National Security Adviser to become Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC). Maj.-Gen. JE Osifo, previously at NAFIC, will take over as Chairman of the Military Pension Board, while Maj.-Gen. IE Ekpenyong has been posted to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Logistics as Director of Engineering Services.
The Army’s latest leadership changes come as its formations continue operations against insurgents and other armed groups across Nigeria. With the Northeast remaining a major security priority, Ajose’s new role places him at the centre of ongoing military efforts to counter Boko Haram and other terrorist threats.
