The Nigerian Army has appointed a new counter-terrorism commander in a minor shake-up that includes redeploying senior officers.

Maj.-Gen. Chris Musa was announced as the new theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation in the North-East.

Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima said this in a statement on the new posting and appointments of senior officers on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Yerima said Mr Musa was redeployed from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre while Maj.-Gen. F.O. Omoigui was appointed as director-general of Land Forces Simulation Centre.

He also disclosed that Maj.-Gen. O.R. Aiyenigba was redeployed from Defence Headquarters to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police as Provost Marshal (Army), while Maj.-Gen. I.M. Jallo was appointed Deputy Theatre Commander 1 OPHK.

The army statement added that others affected in the posting include Brig.-Gen. N.U. Muktar from Nigeria High Commission Islamabad to Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Director of Procurement; Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Defence Information, “moves to Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations and appointed Director and Brig.-Gen. A.E. Abubakar has been appointed Commander of 22 Brigade.”

It further stated, “Brig.-Gen. K.O. Ukandu moves to National Defence College as Directing Staff, Brigadier General I.B. Abubakar moves from Nigerian Army Armour School and appointed Deputy Director Operations.

“Brig.-Gen. A.M. Umar from Army War College Nigeria moves to Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.

“Brig.-Gen. A.J.S. Gulani from Nigerian Army Armour School moves to Headquarters 24 Task Force Brigade as Commander.”

Mr Yerima further disclosed that Col. K.E. Inyang was appointed military assistant to the Chief of Army Staff, while Col. O.O. Braimah moves to Nigeria High Commission Islamabad as defence attache.

Col. I.P. Omoke was moved to Defence Intelligence Agency as Assistor Director Foreign Liaison/ Liaison Officer (Army).

The army said the postings were in line with the chief of army staff’s vision to have a professional army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya urged all the affected senior officers to justify the confidence reposed on them. All posting and appointments are with immediate effect,” it said.

(NAN)