By Linus Aleke
As part of the effort to consolidate the gains recorded in the counterterrorism operations in the North East, the Nigerian Army has reorganized its operational theatres.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman who announced the reorganization in a statement in Abuja also added that the newly promoted senior officers will take over the operational commands.
The Director said that the Chief of Army Staff also directed that all those affected by the posting in the theatre, must remain committed and fully in charge until they are properly relieved in line with standard operating procedures and military professional ethics.
The statement reads in part, “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers. Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some Staff Officers and Commanders at various levels.
“Specifically, the newly promoted Major General OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole, while Major General MG Ali, Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brigadier General BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brigadier General FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations.
“Brigadier General TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General OR Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team, while Brigadier General AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College”.
The Army spokesperson further explained that new Brigade Commanders have been appointed for some of the Brigades at Operation Lafiya Dole.
He said that those appointed include Brigadier General EF Oyinlola, 22 Brigade, Brigadier General VU Okoro, 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General AB Mohammed, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General AO Oyelade, 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General MT Usman, 28 Task Force Brigade and Brigadier General MG Kangye, 37 Brigade, while Brigadier General AS Ishaq has been appointed as Coordinator, Nigeria Police Force for Operation Lafiya Dole.
Brigadier General Usman added that the new Commanders were also appointed for the various Army Headquarters Logistics Commands at the theatre, saying that they are Brigadier General AG Ibrahim, Brigadier General PN Okeson and Brigadier General OA Aminu for Logistics Base I, II and III, respectively.
He noted that the posting has affected several Commanding Officers of the various units in Operation Lafiya Dole, amongst others.
